Renault reaches restart deal

French motor manufacturer Renault has reached a deal with unions on pay during the lock-down and the terms of a return to work. But, although unions representing a majority of the around 36,000 workers spread across France are in favour, the CGT, the largest single union, is opposed.

The agreement, which was signed with the representatives of three union confederations, CFDT, FO and CFE-CGC on 2 April, provides for the standard level of state support for laid off workers – normally 70% of gross pay – to be increased to 100%. This is partially financed by workers giving up a day of their future paid holiday for each week that the plants are not working.

In addition, once work has restarted, the unions have agreed that the company can operate a six-day working week rather than the normal five, although only on six occasions over 2020. The company can also change holiday dates.

For the CFDT, which supports the deal, this is a “very balanced agreement”. But for the more militant CGT, which has not signed, it means workers are paying for their own support.