The information came this Tuesday morning. Radical and violent for the staff of the Auchan-Nord hypermarket in Clermont-Ferrand. Among the ten stores targeted by a vast restructuring plan of the Auchan group, is Clermont-Ferrand Nord. A real blow to employees who were not prepared for this news.
“There were tears and screams. We weren’t in the loop. There are 220 CDIs here. Some employees have worked in this store for 25 or 30 years. They gave everything and they are thrown away like trash overnight. It’s unbearable! », denounces Nicolas Deluzier, CGT Auchan Clermont-Ferrand delegate.
For several years, the Auchan hypermarket, located in the heart of sensitive areas of the Clermont metropolis, has been showing signs of decline. “It’s for sure!” Management has never done any work. Since 1972, they’ve just redone the tiles once, and that’s it. All our competitors have adapted, except us. In addition, inflation has been there. We have a popular clientele who are very impacted by the economic crisis. She has reduced her purchases for two years,” continues Nicolas Deluzier.
Aurillac also affected
The group, which plans to cut a total of 2,389 jobs in France, explains in a press release: “Since 2012, Auchan has suffered a constant decline in store traffic and a deterioration in its results.” Management is giving itself six months to find a possible buyer. At the end of this deadline, Auchan-Nord could well close its doors permanently, as well as the Aurillac supermarket (Cantal) where 34 employees work.
A meeting with local management is planned for this Wednesday morning. “We should have more details,” comments the CGT. But one thing is certain, we won’t let it happen…”