Concern is strong in Montargis (Loiret), where the main employer in the sector, Hutchinson in Châlette-sur-Loing, plans to cut jobs by the end of July. "The tension is palpable, it is an emblematic company that contributes to social ties," explains Jean-Pierre Door MP for Les Montargis (Les Républicains).
For its part, the CGT speaks of "aberration given the support of the State to the Total group, owner of Hutchinson", by the voice of Didier Godde, coordinator of the union in this group specializing in seals, insulators for the auto and aero, also known for its jar seals and bicycle tires.
Hutchinson mentions 3,000 departures worldwide from 40,000 employees, including a thousand in France, "on a voluntary basis", said management during the announcement on June 5.
"A declaration of war"
In Châlette-sur-Loing, where 1,200 permanent and 150 temporary workers work, this announcement was perceived as a "declaration of war", according to Dominique Clergue, CGT union representative, who recalls that management forced employees to come and work March 17, triggering a right of withdrawal for a hundred people.
Jean-Pierre Sueur, senator from Loiret, spoke to Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Tuesday. “In 2019, Hutchinson paid € 220 million in profits to Total. And he also received public aid, ”said the former socialist mayor of Orléans. "Aid for the purchase of vehicles and tax exemptions must help preserve employment in France," adds Jean-Pierre Sueur, who advocates the relocation of activities.
The historic site of Châlette, where a technical innovation center was recently built, has advantages, say the parliamentarians of Loiret. They asked for an appointment with Jacques Maigné, the president of Hutchinson. Beyond the risks for employment, they have fears for the future of small factories, like that of Desmarquoy in Briare (Loiret), which employs 100 people or Espa, in Fleury-les-Aubrais (Loiret), including the workforce is 300 employees.