η κριση ,η πληροφορια,οι τιμες και ο αγοραστης
Zenith crisis force to eliminate 24 jobs
Zenith is not immune to the general decline of the watch market. Brand dismisses the 24 people on the 270 it occupies in Le Locle.
"After eight years of growth, we have unfortunately had to readjust the objectives and the staff." Chairman of Zenith, Thierry Nataf noted, like banking, automobile or other major industrial sectors, the 'horlogerie re currently operating globally.
The 24 dismissals on the 270 employees that Zenith account in Le Locle, concern staff workshops. "Like others, Zenith is a victim of falling markets," observes Eric turn Thévenaz, regional secretary of Unia region Neuchâtel.
This is the first time since the crisis began, a watch brand of luxury group LVMH (owner of Tag Heuer, Dior and Hublot particular) reduced its staff, confirmed the union secretary. A brutal backlash, since last October LVMH also announced an increase of 4.5% over the first nine months of 2008. All sectors, watches making even the best performance, with an increase of 11%.
The employee benefit Zenith in a number of measures, financial, but also coaching and replacement, Eric Thévenaz remark. "Accompanying measures are important, these companies are very professional."
This new blow to the regional watch industry is not an end, notes Eric Thévenaz. "In recent years, brands have hired a considerable number of new employees." Between 50 and 60 people Zenith. "You can say that we are now witnessing a return to normal. Obviously, humanely and individually, these layoffs are painful, but at the industry level, it is not a disaster. Watchmaking has survived many crises. "
The General is also to consider, "said union secretary. "All brands are affected, this is not the quality of products or management were involved."
Thierry Nataf, if 2009 does not coming under the best auspices, should brighten the horizon in 2010-2011. To deal in 2009, including Zenith on innovation and strong collections. But also on diversification of its markets. "This year we will install in new markets, India, China," says the chairman of the locloise.
But before the resumption does, other brands will also impose layoffs, said Eric Thévenaz. Zenith is not alone in having to separate staff. "These are not the last!" Says the union secretary.
If more optimism prevails in watchmaking, it can not yet speak of defeatism. Some new, if not satisfying, make the notes less painful.
Movado Group, owner of Ebel, is expected to confirm a number of redundancies below the figure of 50 to 60 articulated in December.
