even in Stellantis, strength lies in numbers. At the appeal of the union from the South, around thirty employees from Poissy (Yvelines) went to Pas-de-Calais, on Tuesday 10 December, to support their colleagues from Douvrin (formerly La Française de Mécanique), in the middle of the basin. mining north of Lens.
The two factories of the automotive group, owner of fourteen brands including Peugeot, DS and Citroën, are threatened with closure and the unions are determined to “lead the fight together”.
“Let’s stop fighting alone, let’s join forces”, summarizes the union leader Jean-Pierre Mercier, present in Douvrin to distribute leaflets to his colleagues in northern France.
“Like you, we do not accept being expelled (…), the Yvelines employees shout in unison. Like you, we want to have assurances about how we will continue to fill our refrigerator after the last engine and the last car are produced.»
“A trade dispute” causes technical unemployment
As Carlos Tavares is no longer the general director of Stelantis, fears of a closure of the two sites have increased.Proof that the 2,600 employees at the poissy site, the last automotive plant in the Île-de-France, live hand to mouth, thay experienced the start of the week of technical unemployment with production fully blocked due to “a commercial dispute ”, according to our facts, between Stellantis and Novaes, one of its service providers.
The production lines from which the Opel Mokka and DS3 Crossback SUVs come out only started working again on Tuesday,in the early afternoon.
at the same time, the French automotive group and the Chinese battery giant CATL jointly announced this Tuesday the creation of a vast electric battery factory in Zaragoza (Spain) for 4.1 billion euros.
What are the key challenges faced by Stellantis in the current automotive market?
Interview with Automotive Industry Expert: Unpacking the Challenges at Stellantis
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today! With recent events surrounding Stellantis and its factories in France, particularly the situation involving the Poissy and Douvrin sites, what can you tell us about the current state of the automotive industry in this context?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The situation at Stellantis is a reflection of broader challenges within the automotive industry, particularly in Europe. The recent threat of factory closures has sent shockwaves through the workforce, as employees are understandably concerned about their job security. With Stellantis owning iconic brands like Peugeot, DS, and Citroën, the implications of these closures could be profound, impacting thousands of workers and surrounding economies.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, it seems that the union’s call for solidarity among employees is crucial right now. How significant is this united front for the workers?
Expert: It’s extremely significant. As union leader Jean-Pierre Mercier stated,”Let’s stop fighting alone,let’s join forces,” which emphasizes the power of collective bargaining. By standing together, workers can present a stronger front against management decisions that may jeopardize their jobs.Solidarity among workers from different sites strengthens their bargaining position and can lead to more favorable outcomes in negotiations.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that the Poissy factory recently experienced technical unemployment due to a commercial dispute with a service provider. How common are such disputes, and what impact do they have on production?
Expert: Disputes between manufacturers and their service providers are fairly common, especially in today’s complex supply chain ecosystem. The recent technical unemployment at Poissy highlights how these disputes can cause significant disruptions. When production lines—like those for the Opel Mokka and DS3 Crossback—halt entirely, it not only affects the immediate output of vehicles but also strains worker morale and can lead to financial instability for employees living paycheck to paycheck.
Time.news Editor: Moreover, with Stellantis’ recent announcement of a new electric battery factory in Zaragoza, Spain, what does this say about the company’s strategy moving forward?
Expert: The investment in an electric battery factory signifies Stellantis’ commitment to transitioning towards electric vehicles, which is a critical direction for the automotive industry.The €4.1 billion project with CATL reflects an understanding of the growing demand for electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions. This move also indicates a potential investment in future job growth, though it may come at the cost of traditional manufacturing jobs in places like Poissy and douvrin. The industry is shifting, and companies must adapt or risk being left behind.
Time.news Editor: For those concerned about the future of their jobs in this changing landscape, what practical advice can you offer?
Expert: It’s essential for employees in the automotive sector to stay informed about industry trends and developments. Upskilling and reskilling can provide a safety net as the industry evolves.This means seeking out training programs related to electric vehicle technology and sustainable practices, which are likely to be in high demand. Moreover, engaging with unions and staying active in workplace discussions can empower employees to have a voice in negotiations affecting their future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for those insights! As the situation evolves, it’s important for our readers to understand the ramifications of these developments within Stellantis and the wider automotive industry.
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for shedding light on this critical topic. Keeping the conversation going is key,as the automotive landscape continues to change rapidly.