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It is only partly good news for the employees of the Gerlafingen steel factory. A mass layoff was averted for the time being, but for how long is unclear.
From the company’s perspective, there is no way around job cuts to secure the future of the factory. The reason for this is that virtually no exports to the EU have been possible since last summer. In addition, high energy prices have major consequences for business operations. The largest producer of recycled steel in Switzerland employs approximately 540 people.
35 people are threatened with dismissal
The threat of mass layoffs has set alarm bells ringing in the canton. Solothurn state councilor Franziska Roth (SP, 57) and SVP national councilor Christian Imark (42) are calling on the Federal Council to save the steel plant with immediate measures – if necessary with an emergency law. The Solothurn government council also became active. Stahl Gerlafingen is of systemic importance – not only for the canton, but for the whole of Switzerland.
As Stahl Gerlafingen announced on Friday, the closure of one of the two production lines is planned. According to older media reports, 35 people work on the associated production line. But a closure will likely affect many more workers.
Decision postponed
However, the company has put a final decision on hold due to political pressure. “We have been in very close contact with politicians in recent days. “Starting with the mayor of Gerlafingen, through Solothurn’s representatives in the national parliament and the Solothurn government up to the federal government,” says CEO Alain Creteur.
“They have all asked us to suspend the decision because politicians want to make another attempt to find a solution,” he says. They do not want to stand in the way of a political solution and that is why they have suspended a decision in consultation with the Beltrame family, who own the property. But a solution is needed quickly.
SP-Roth demands quick action from the Federal Council
If mass layoffs take place, a social plan will come into effect. In addition, the intention is to achieve the reduction if possible through natural departure, i.e. through termination by the employees themselves or through retirement.
Despite the uncertainty, State Secretary Franziska Roth is happy with the podium success. “I now expect that the Federal Council will implement the measures under its responsibility as quickly as possible.” The SP politician also holds the Beltrame Group, owner of Stahl Gerlafingen, responsible. She must now make a clear commitment to Switzerland as a workplace.
Source:Blick
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