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Nokia France is preparing to significantly reduce its workforce, a decision that is causing strong reactions among unions and employees. This new wave of job cuts, already initiated in recent years, continues to divide. While some see an opportunity for reinvention, others denounce a dangerous strategy for the company’s industrial future.
The 3 key facts not to miss
Nokia France has finalized an agreement on the elimination of 421 positions spread between its sites in Lannion and Paris-Saclay. In Paris-Saclay, 343 departures are planned, while Lannion will see the disappearance of 78 positions. This restructuring represents more than 18% of the company’s workforce in France, which is equivalent to about 300 fewer employees than at the beginning of 2024.
Two unions, the CFDT and the CFE-CGC, have signed the agreement, seeing in this approach a chance to rejuvenate the company’s average age. Olivier Marcé, central union delegate CFE-CGC, considers this an opportunity for the oldest employees. However, he also acknowledges that job cuts are always problematic.
On the other hand, the CGT has chosen not to support this initiative, which it calls a “dismantling strategy.” The union criticizes the regular use of collective conventional breaks as a workforce management tool, without questioning the underlying industrial strategy.
The agreement is based on the mechanism of collective conventional breaks, allowing employees to leave voluntarily without economic justification. Employees will be able to express their interest starting in January for an effective departure until the end of June 2026, thus offering some flexibility to those concerned.
Nokia, a Finnish telecommunications company, has long been a major player in the field of mobile networks and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1865, the company has been able to diversify and adapt to technological changes. However, in recent years, increased competition and rapid changes in the sector have pushed Nokia to reevaluate its strategies, leading to repeated restructurings worldwide.