The giant distribution chain’s central working conference was held this afternoon in which the sale of 288 supermarkets and hypermarkets was confirmed. Auchan will take over from Gent de Selneuve while Tres-d’Arance will come into the Intermarche fold. Odysseus’ fate, however, is not sealed.
A central corporate social and economic committee of the casino mass distribution chain took place this Wednesday afternoon in Saint-Étienne. The meeting was an opportunity for group managers to clarify the terms of sale of their supermarkets and hypermarkets to Auchan and Mousquetaires-Intermarché. A total of 288 locations are affected by this massive resale operation, worth around 1.3 billion euros.
The Odyssium case has not been decided
So during this meeting the fate of the stores located in Montpellier was sealed: one of the two buyers, the “giant” of Seleneuv (136 employees), entered the fold of the Auchan group. The historic Prés d’Arènes brand (125 employees) returns to the Les Mousquetaires-Intermarchés group. This is also the case for the supermarkets on Avenue de Toulouse and Route de Ganges, while Grables comes under the Auchan brand. The future of the Odyssium Casino (about 100 employees), however, has not been decided as of 22. Other institutions in other places in the region, which raises the concern of employees remaining for the moment in the Saint-Etienne group. “We knew it was going to be complicated for Odyssem. The problem is the rent.” Notes Laurent Chery, elected CFDT of the Celleneuve hypermarket and union representative in the central committee.
Fast transit
According to the schedule presented to staff representatives, the transfer could happen very quickly, in three very close phases, on April 30, May 31 and July 1. “After consultation with the staff representative bodies concerned” said the Saint-Etienne group. “We’re surprised it’s so short for teams.” adds Laurent Cherry.
In response to concerns expressed last June, the buyers committed to take over employees’ employment contracts and maintain certain benefits but for a period of 15 months, the legal minimum. In a statement to AFP, CFDT Services National Secretary, Sylvain Macé, appealed to the employees affected by the transfer “Negotiate Substitute Agreements” in their sites. A new informational meeting for elected staff members is scheduled for next week.
