'21st-century slavery' - Mass protests hit Stellantis Poissy over working conditions, job security after shutdown announcement

"Hundreds of Stellantis employees gathered outside the Poissy auto plant on Thursday to protest plans to shut down the Île-de-France region’s last automobile production line by 2028, a move announced by management just one week earlier. Footage shows protesters setting off firecrackers and burning flares outside the Stellantis offices. Demonstrators also marched along roads, carrying flags, placards, and banners reading 'No to the closure of the Stellantis Poissy factory,' 'MC Synchro subcontractors are angry,' and 'United for guarantees and our rights.' "They have all endured partial unemployment and the elimination of night shifts. Then they were asked to return to work on Saturdays for free after weekend shifts were scrapped. And after the introduction of the toll-free number, it felt like the humiliation of 21st-century slavery," said Matthieu Bolle-Reddat, a CGT union rail worker. Frederic Hemery, spokesperson for the SUD union, explained, "In four years, they made 50 billion in profit. So they say the automotive industry is doing badly? No, the shareholders are very happy. Fifty-four billion in four years is not bad, and they want to keep making more." The factory employs roughly 2,000 people. CGT Metallurgy General Secretary Stephane Flegeau raised concerns at the European level, saying the scope of what qualifies as 'made in Europe' is not clearly defined. According to him, the European Union wants to include countries such as Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Great Britain and even Canada under this label. He argued that ongoing agreements with these countries effectively validate the authorities' offshoring strategies, calling the situation "a real scandal." Media reports say Stellantis may sell or partner on four European factories as it tackles excess capacity. Hence, the automaker announced a halt to new-car production at its Poissy plant in the Parisian suburbs. It has informed French and Italian authorities that surplus capacity spans four sites, including facilities in Rennes, Madrid and central Italy, though no final decisions have been made. Talks with potential buyers and partners are underway, with representatives from China’s Dongfeng Motor visiting plants in Rennes and Madrid, as well as sites in Italy and Germany."

Go to News Site