Union calls for strike against Michelin factory closure plans

Clermont-Ferrand, France – Trade union CGT has called for an unlimited strike and a rally outside Michelin’s production facility in Combaude, France, in protest against the group's proposed plant closures.

In a statement issued 6 Nov, the union called on “employees in Clermont-Ferrand” to take action against the job cuts and plant closures in Cholet and Vannes. 

On 5 Nov, Michelin announced plans to axe the two production facilities in France, due to the ‘profound transformation’ of passenger-car and truck tire markets in Europe over the past decade. (ERJ report)

“After 1,500 job cuts in Germany and 1,400 in the US, Michelin wants to sacrifice more than 1,400 employees… on the altar of profits,” CGT said in its response, noting that Michelin expects €3.4 billion profits in 2024.

The group, CGT added, “has more than enough resources to maintain all its jobs, regardless of the ups and downs in sales and strategic choices.”

Therefore, the union said it intended to stage an “unlimited strike” starting 7 Nov, and a rally outside the Combaude facility to voice its protest against the cutbacks.