PSA Peugeot-Citroën and KOVO trade union at its Trnava (Slovakia) plant have agreed to the implementation of a fourth shift at the site, reports Tlacova Agentura Slovenskej Republiky (TASR). A spokesperson for the automaker told the news service that the new shift will create 800 new jobs in 2017. Two weekend work schedules will be created – a two-day and a three-day part-time schedule. It added that thanks to a weekend bonus, employees will earn in two or three days as much as 80% of the amount that they would earn in a three-shift system. The new opportunities will predominantly be offered to existing workers, and the recruitment drive for jobs externally that has already started will be intensified in September.
Significance: It was first revealed that PSA would add a fourth shift at the site during December 2015. This is being implemented to meet demand for the forthcoming replacement for the Citroën C3 that is to be built at the site alongside the Peugeot 208 and Citroën C3 Picasso. The automaker's spokesperson has said that the new work hours on offer could give workers greater flexibility by supporting childcare or other family commitments, as well as personal development enabling workers to enrol in further education. Although production levels at the site have already climbed from 255,000 units during 2014 to 303,000 units in 2015, IHS Automotive anticipates that production could reach 375,000 units during 2017. The second-generation Peugeot 208 that will reach the market in 2019 is expected to lift production to over 400,000 units.
