In Aveyron, new reprieve for the Sam foundry

The features are drawn, the face closed, the eyes reddened. “I can’t speak of relief , immediately announces, at the end of the hearing, Ghislaine Gistau, CGT union delegate of the Aveyron company of metallurgy (SAM), located in Viviez (Aveyron). On the steps of the Toulouse Commercial Court, which was due to rule this Friday on the intention to take over by the former boss of the foundry Patrick Bellity, this employee takes the microphone to be heard by attentive employees. “We leave three days to Renault, until Wednesday, November 24, for it to position itself”, she reports, tremolos in her voice. Either he agrees to commit and the court gives time to materialize the offer. Either he refuses and the court will set a new hearing next Friday to announce the dry liquidation ”.

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An unexpected decision that leaves employees in shock. ” I do not know what to say “, testifies Sandrine lip service, tears in her eyes. “It’s terrible”. David Gistau, CGT staff representative, is overcome by anger. ” This is no longer possible “, he gets carried away. “We want something concrete, to save our 340 employees, their families and our territory. We want to avoid social tragedies and we will not let go. “

Faced with this uncertain situation, the employees of this auto parts manufacturer placed in receivership in December 2019 then in compulsory liquidation with continuation of activity until December 10, vote unanimously, by show of hands, the blocking of the ‘factory from Monday, 5 a.m.

“We must make Sam an example of relocation”

However, the day before, hope still animated the employees. Because Mr. Bellity, the former leader of Sam until June 2016, obtained financial support from the state, up to 5.5 million euros, including 4.5 million euros in the form of loans . The Occitan region was also favorable to this draft recovery. Carole Delga, its president PS, had informed the World that it would provide overall financial support of 3.3 million euros.

But these commitments are conditional on the agreement of the car manufacturer Renault, the almost unique customer of the foundry, which must set the roadmap in terms of order volume. In May, the manufacturer guaranteed a volume of activity of 40 million euros in turnover until spring 2022 and the maintenance of 250 jobs. “We want Renault to respect its commitments”, insists Sébastien Lallier, CGT union delegate and secretary of the social and economic committee. “We were the first to produce quality casings for the Clio 5 Hybrid, delivered on time. And today, is our thanks? We must make Sam an example of relocation. “

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