Michelin plans voluntary workforce reductions in France

French tyre giant Michelin has unveiled plans for a voluntary workforce adaptation programme in France that could impact up to 1,500 positions over three years. The move is framed as a cost-cutting and operational simplification initiative, with the company citing an unstable economic environment, intense international competition, and high domestic costs as key drivers. Michelin notified employee representatives and trade unions of the proposal on 28 May 2026, stressing that all reductions would be voluntary and no forced redundancies would occur. The programme targets roughly two-thirds of the affected roles in tertiary functions and one-third in industrial activities. Michelin will offer a support package including reskilling, training, and mobility assistance to help employees transition to future roles, either within the company or externally. The group emphasised that the initiative does not reflect on staff performance or the strategic importance of its French operations, where it currently employs nearly 17,000 people across 13 industrial sites and a major R&D centre. Michelin also confirmed it plans to continue hiring in France despite the workforce adjustments.