Proposed Consolidation Plan for Arkema's Vinyl Products business segment
A Central Works Council was convened on 7th April 2005 at Arkema's Head Office in Paris-La Défense; on the agenda was the ongoing information and consultation process on the proposed consolidation plan for Arkema's Vinyl Products business segment and on the proposed job protection plan by virtue of Books IV et III of French Labour Laws.
Arkema's senior management have confirmed their commitment to ensuring the long-term future of the Saint-Auban industrial facility by recentring it on its strong points and shutting down its major lossmaking activities: mercury electrolysis, trichloroethylene, VCM (vinyl chloride monomer), and the monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) production plant.
Fully aware of the social impact of the project and in line with their commitments, Arkema's senior management have proposed the continuation or the creation of industrial activities on the site, backed by EUR 4 M capital expenditure in addition to the EUR 35 M initially envisaged. The production and packaging of hydrogen chloride anhydrous, the treatment of mercury waste, and the continued operation of an in-house logistics team would help safeguard 25 posts. Additionally, the extension of the voluntary early retirement plan to employees born before 1st July 1955 would potentially concern 15 people. The overall number of voluntary early retirement cases, entirely financed by the Company, would thereby increase to 217 people. An ad hoc local unit will be set up to assist employees opting for mobility within the Company or the Total Group, or to help them with the execution of a personal project. A specific training plan will be drawn up to promote and assist with internal mobility. The Central Works Council further looked into the terms of the plan relating to the Saint-Fons, Balan and Jarrie production facilities.
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