JOBS at Alstom’s Rugby site could be at risk after the US industrial company General Electric announced cost-cutting operations following its £7billion takeover of the power operations of the French company last year.
Around 6,500 jobs across Europe are at risk, including over 600 in the UK, as the company begins consultation with unions. GE employs around 22,000 people in the UK.
It is not yet known how many jobs at the Newbold Road site will be affected.
A General Electric spokesman said unions had been informed.
“This is a plan which could change following discussion with employee representatives,” he added.
Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou said: “As yet, we have no details how and where these jobs losses will be implemented. We will also be investigating the possibility that GE will be creating more jobs in the UK.
“Our GE reps are meeting at the company’s European works council this week where they should learn more about the company’s plans. We are at the first stage at present and there is some way to go in the weeks and months ahead before detailed decisions will be made.
“Unite will be working closely with the GE management to safeguard our members’ jobs, and help chart a positive way forward for the company, its employees and customers in a competitive environment.”
GE’s takeover of Alstom’s energy business – which included gas and steam turbines, wind turbines, turbines for hydro dams and power grids – added about 65,000 employees to GE’s workforce of about 305,000.
The head of GE’s power division said in September the company would seek to make £2billion in cost savings over five years from the Alstom acquisition.
