Bouygues-led Consortium Assures Focus on Job Retention Amid SFR Acquisition

As the Bouygues consortium, alongside Free and Orange, moves forward with the ambitious 17 billion euro acquisition of SFR, job security concerns loom large. The CFDT union has voiced strong warnings, highlighting the risk that up to 8,000 SFR jobs could be lost if no protective measures are swiftly enacted.

Olivier Roussat, CEO of Bouygues, has emphasized that the priority throughout this process will be to retain employees rather than prepare for large-scale departures. He described the acquisition and restructuring as a lengthy process, involving regulatory scrutiny and operational realignment expected to span about five years.

The CFDT, represented by General Secretary Marylise Léon, stressed the urgency of commencing tripartite negotiations immediately, involving the state, the telecom operators, and the unions to prevent social disruption. CFDT representative Olivier Lelong echoed these concerns, underscoring that without a concerted commitment, mass job cuts are a significant risk.

This cautious approach emerges amid the broader restructuring of SFR's parent company, Altice France, led by billionaire Patrick Drahi. The state’s role is seen as critical to ensuring all parties jointly work to safeguard employment during this complex transition.

The unfolding discussions exemplify the balancing act between major corporate restructuring and social responsibility toward employees during a significant period of change in the French telecom sector.