This morning, the employees of the American multinational XPO Logistics in Satigny in the canton of Geneva started a renewable strike. They oppose the closure of the Geneva site and the collective dismissal of all staff, and want a social plan.
–
Already on May 7, Unia denounced the decision of XPO Logistics to close the Satigny site where 32 people work. Staff representatives strongly criticized the company’s refusal to negotiate the closure of the business and demanded the opening of real talks. Unfortunately, the employer refused to accede to these requests. Even the seizure of the Collective Labor Relations Board (CRCT) did not resolve the situation.
Unfair collective dismissal
In the event of collective redundancies, a consultation procedure is compulsory. The employer must consult the staff representation and give them all the information they need to avoid layoffs as much as possible and negotiate a social plan. XPO Logistics, a giant multinational with a turnover of 16 billion dollars, challenges this right to its employees. Consequently, these dismissals must be regarded as abusive.
We need a social plan now!
Employees demand immediate negotiations for a social plan and fair compensation. It is not only an equal obligation, XPO Logistics also has the means.
Because the company is doing well: its CEO Bradley Jacobs received compensation of $ 9.9 million at the last shareholders’ meeting. Again this year, he will receive a performance bonus in the form of stock options of more than $ 25 million, regardless of his salary. Under these conditions, it is not normal that long-term employees find themselves without support.
Misuse of partial unemployment benefits
XPO Logistics’ behavior is particularly unfortunate: in March, the company made all Satigny staff part-time workers. Instead of guaranteeing the jobs with the support of the State, the company decided in May to dismiss all the employees of the site.
For Unia, there is no doubt that the group has abused the instrument of short-time working to save on wage costs in the short term, to the detriment of employees, unemployment insurance and the community. The result is even more benefits for shareholders. Unia therefore calls for the intervention of politicians to prevent the use of public aid contrary to the intended purpose.
– .
