| Personnel manager Ian Peart said there was no conflict with the company’s position they’re trying to manage a way through the downturn without shedding jobs and losing experienced workers.
The Tele was contacted today by one of those affected to complain that Michelin was shedding workers, starting with temporary staff, the first of whose shifts are ending this week.
It was suggested this was at odds with the position earlier this week, when Michelin said temporary shutdowns and staff on short pay was designed to avoid job losses.
An agreement between unions and management in January allows Michelin to ask workers to take 56 hours off on full pay in 2009 and work them back next year.
The staff also agreed to take a further 56 hours off on two-thirds pay during 2009 if necessary.
The company said demand for tyres had fallen globally, and Michelin was cutting its cloth accordingly.
Mr Peart said today, “Are we laying off temporary staff? The answer to that is yes.
“Does this conflict with what we have said before? The answer is no.
“Is it anything to do with the current economic situation. The answer is again no.
“We have a small number of people on temporary contracts for a variety of reasons. When the temporary labour is no longer required, when the contract has come to an end, they’ll be released.
“There are also people on a probation period on temporary contracts and, if their work is not up to the necessary standard, they will be released. That is what’s happening now.”
When asked about just how many jobs would go, the company declined to comment. |
