A savings plan and reorganization at “Dauphiné Libération”, in financial difficulty

2023-11-28 21:56:59

“The continued losses of Dauphiné released is not an option », warned Christophe Victor, the general director of the Grenoble daily owned by the Ebra group, at the end of September. The title’s management, which expects a deficit of 4 million euros in 2023, announced a savings plan of an almost similar amount (4.2 million), Monday, November 27, during a committee meeting. social and economic (CSE).

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Weakened by the drop in sales (–7.1% on average over the first ten months of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022), a significant decline in advertising and the delivery crisis, the accounts of the Dauphinois newspaper are in red for the first time in its history.

Defending a plan « de transformation » aiming “to return to balance in 2024”management is pleading for a voluntary departure plan which would concern twenty positions (including six journalists), as well as six departures “natural” not replaced, in return for four job creations and sixteen permanent fixed-term contracts.

“Vaucluse matin” retreats to the North

Vaucluse morningwhich belongs to Dauphiné released, should be particularly affected, with the elimination of six to ten positions, according to the unions. The title’s losses are approaching one million euros for 2023, according to general management. Consequently, in Avignon, the offices, located since 1946, should close their doors.

In head-on competition with Provence, Vaucluse morning would thus disappear from the south of the department to retreat into the North. Eight employees (editorial and advertising department) should be offered to move to a coworking space in Avignon, while six editorial secretaries would join the Orange agency. “The elimination of the position of head of sports means that there will no longer be a journalist who will cover this subject at the department level, even though it is a vector of interest for readers”worries Alex Guey, Force Ouvrière (FO) delegate to the CSE.

“We are sacrificing Vaucluse by reducing it to nothing”scolds journalist and FO union delegate Mona Blanchet, recalling that the Bollène and Carpentras agencies were already closed in 2020. “We can understand the structural reorganization, but we struggle to see the benefit of this voluntary departure plan”asks Philippe Cortay, of the CFDT. “This solution was favored to avoid forced travel”assure Christophe Victor.

Negotiations

While 78 employees could qualify for the departure plan, it must still be the subject of negotiations between management and union delegates which will begin on December 14. Several other solutions have also been implemented to make savings (stopping the publication of three advertising magazines, rationalizing events and general costs, etc.). A move to new, smaller premises is due to take place by March 31, 2024 with the aim of generating 120,000 to 150,000 euros in rent savings each year.

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