US group GE Vernova has announced the elimination of 600 jobs in Europe in its energy activities, including 120 in France, mainly at the Belfort gas turbine production site. This plan, presented at European level, targets support functions and follows a collective termination agreement aimed at accelerating the company’s internal reorganisation.
Support functions particularly targeted
According to union representatives, the job cuts in France affect departments such as human resources, project management, financial services and quality. In Belfort, 42 positions will be cut. Unions fear deep cuts in shared services. The potential use of artificial intelligence to replace some human resources roles was mentioned during discussions with management.
A plan not linked to economic health
Employee representatives dispute any link between these cuts and a downturn in activity. The order book is said to be full, and the group’s financial indicators remain strong. For the second quarter of 2025, GE Vernova reported revenue of $9.1bn, up 11% year on year, with net profit close to $500mn. The group has slightly raised its annual forecasts.
Structural adjustments in an international context
The job reduction plan is reportedly tied to strategic decisions linked to transatlantic trade conditions. Products manufactured in the European Union by GE Vernova face 15% tariffs upon entry to the US market. According to unions, this situation is being used to justify cost optimisation without any direct impact on production requirements.
History of restructurings in Europe
In 2024, GE Vernova had already cut 740 jobs in Europe in its offshore wind division. The company, also active in hydropower, currently employs 25,000 people in Europe, including 8,000 in France. The Belfort site, which employs nearly 1,300 workers, remains under close union scrutiny as management has not ruled out further reorganisations.
Industrial context and French precedents
Conglomerate General Electric has undergone several restructurings in France in recent years. In 2015, after acquiring Alstom’s energy division, GE committed to creating 1,000 jobs, a pledge not fulfilled, which resulted in a €50mn fine. Since 2019, several waves of job cuts have hit its energy activities, particularly in Belfort.
