Brittany ferries will save money but without laying off workers

The Brittany ferries company, in great difficulty because of Brexit and the health crisis, plans to save 18 million euros per year, while safeguarding jobs, its president told AFP on Friday. Jean-Marc Roué.

Read also Brittany Ferries sinks a little deeper into the crisis

"We have a project to save over the seasons which come to the tune of 18 million euros,"

assured Jean-Marc Roué, confirming information from the daily

. However, he disputes any

in the workforce. Brittany Ferries will benefit from an exceptional state subsidy of 45 million euros, as well as debt forgiveness for a total of 16 million euros, Matignon announced last Friday.

he explained.

Brittany Ferries intends to reduce its winter fleet plan (from November to March) by putting five vessels into service instead of the usual seven to eight.

The group also presented a plan, called Vital, consisting in particular of a reorganization of flight crew positions and a rationalization of working hours.

The savings envisaged come from the

, indicated Jean-Marc Roué, whose group benefits, because of the health crisis, from the partial activity system. long-term (APLD) set up by the government.

"Absolutely no layoffs"

"There is absolutely no redundancy due to this fleet plan and this Vital program, since there is the APLD"

, insisted Jean-Marc Roué.

mentions between 350 and 400 jobs which could be eliminated in the long term as part of these measures and ensures that 135 permanent jobs have already been cut for a year.

noted Jean-Marc Roué, simply referring to 45 resignations and 20 retirements among the flight personnel between September 2020 and September 2021.

The company based in Roscoff (Finistère) had to close many lines between France and England and resorted to emergency measures put in place by the government to reduce its costs, in particular partial unemployment and a loan guaranteed by the State (PGE) in the amount of 117 million euros.