The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Manufacturing Manufacture Of Chemicals And Pharamceuticals Manufacture Of Chemicals And Chemical Products 20 - Manufacture Of Chemicals And Chemical Products
608 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
11 April 2024
Employment effect (start)
1 March 2025
Foreseen end date
Description
On April 11 2024, ExxonMobil announced the halting of part of its steam cracking production at the Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine site (Seine-Maritime), resulting in the elimination of 647 jobs locally and 667 nationwide.
At this site, 961 of the 2,150 workers are involved in chemical operations. The company cited the chemical sector’s lack of profitability as the reason for the shutdown. It had lost 500 million euros between 2021 and 2023, however. its petrol production generated 1.7 billion euros in profit.
Following the approval of the job-saving plan, 608 workers were laid off, despite 666 volunteering for the cuts. This decision is expected to have a significant economic impact: estimates range between 900 million and 1.4 billion euros for local municipalities and around 7 million euros for the territory. Indirectly, the job cuts are anticipated to affect between 2,000 and 5,000 workers.
A strike saw 500 workers mobilize alongside all trade unions, including the normally moderate CFE-CGC. In August, the four syndicates refused to sign the agreement, prompting management to present the plan to the Regional Economic Directorate for Employment, Work, and Solidarity. On September 30, both the CFE-CGC and CFDT signed the job-saving plan, although they expressed disappointment with the results. The plan is estimated to cost the company approximately 400 million euros. Half of the impacted workforce will be reclassified, while 330 layoffs are expected. Approximately 40 meetings were held with the work council to discuss the proposal.
On January 22 2025, a delegation of workers, along with several employees facing internal restructuring plans, demonstrated in front of the Ministry of Economy at Bercy in Paris. The planned layoffs will commence in early spring 2025, one year after the announcement. Yet, around 20 employees have already left the company, and 30 early retirements have been recorded.
Overall, ExxonMobil’s workforce in France totals 2,400 employees.
Eurofound (2024), ExxonMobil, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 202303, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/202303.
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