Bridgestone and Unions Reach Agreement to Reduce Job Cuts at Basauri and San Miguel Plants
Reduction in layoffs follows nearly two months of labor disputes at Bridgestone facilities in Spain
The management of Bridgestone and labor unions CC.OO., UGT, and BUB have reached an agreement that reduces the number of layoffs at the Basauri (Vizcaya) and Puente San Miguel (Cantabria) plants from an initial proposal of 546 to 420.
This new figure includes layoffs, early retirements, and voluntary exits, representing a reduction of 126 job losses from the company's original plans.
The agreement concludes approximately two months of labor conflict at these factories.
On Friday, workers voted in a referendum, resulting in 805 votes in favor (69.4%), 322 against (27.8%), 29 blank votes, and 3 null votes.
Bridgestone stated that the agreement, reached in the context of the collective redundancy procedure, reflects the company's "commitment" to the competitiveness of its plants in Spain.
The company emphasized its focus on sustainable industrial development in a rapidly changing market and reiterated its "commitment to open dialogue" with worker representatives.
Staff returned to work on Monday as normal operations resumed, while unions convened with management following last week's vote.
The agreement detailed plans to decrease layoffs, enabled by measures such as the internalization of activities and an anticipated increase in production at the Basauri plant by an additional 100,000 units annually.
The arrangement includes various economic measures depending on the type of exit, offering premature retirement starting at age 55 and, for younger employees, severance pay of 45 days' salary per year of service, along with the option for voluntary departures that come with the same compensation plus an additional €30,000 per worker.
Additionally, the company has made commitments regarding the future of its plants in Puente San Miguel and Basauri, including a two-year job guarantee without collective layoffs.
There are plans for a reindustrialization program supported by institutions aimed at restoring activity levels and employment in the region.
The agreement has received majority support from the unions involved.
CCOO, UGT, and BUB have signed the deal and confirmed they would proceed according to the results of the employee consultation, while minor unions ELA and SITB, who criticized the agreement's content, opted not to participate.
This resolution concludes the labor conflict that has seen workers participating in eleven strike days and receiving support from local communities, institutions, and political representatives.
This new figure includes layoffs, early retirements, and voluntary exits, representing a reduction of 126 job losses from the company's original plans.
The agreement concludes approximately two months of labor conflict at these factories.
On Friday, workers voted in a referendum, resulting in 805 votes in favor (69.4%), 322 against (27.8%), 29 blank votes, and 3 null votes.
Bridgestone stated that the agreement, reached in the context of the collective redundancy procedure, reflects the company's "commitment" to the competitiveness of its plants in Spain.
The company emphasized its focus on sustainable industrial development in a rapidly changing market and reiterated its "commitment to open dialogue" with worker representatives.
Staff returned to work on Monday as normal operations resumed, while unions convened with management following last week's vote.
The agreement detailed plans to decrease layoffs, enabled by measures such as the internalization of activities and an anticipated increase in production at the Basauri plant by an additional 100,000 units annually.
The arrangement includes various economic measures depending on the type of exit, offering premature retirement starting at age 55 and, for younger employees, severance pay of 45 days' salary per year of service, along with the option for voluntary departures that come with the same compensation plus an additional €30,000 per worker.
Additionally, the company has made commitments regarding the future of its plants in Puente San Miguel and Basauri, including a two-year job guarantee without collective layoffs.
There are plans for a reindustrialization program supported by institutions aimed at restoring activity levels and employment in the region.
The agreement has received majority support from the unions involved.
CCOO, UGT, and BUB have signed the deal and confirmed they would proceed according to the results of the employee consultation, while minor unions ELA and SITB, who criticized the agreement's content, opted not to participate.
This resolution concludes the labor conflict that has seen workers participating in eleven strike days and receiving support from local communities, institutions, and political representatives.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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