Protests erupted as Michelin workers in Cholet and Vannes opposed the planned closure of facilities, risking over 1,250 jobs by 2026. During a brief visit, Minister of Industry Marc Ferracci expressed regret but faced backlash from employees. Demonstrators criticized the company for prioritizing profits over people, with calls for accountability and support for job retention. Union leaders highlighted the need for dignified compensation and job security, while the government announced plans for an emergency automotive sector initiative.
Protests Erupt Over Michelin Plant Closures
On Friday, several hundred workers from Michelin took to the streets to voice their opposition against the impending closures of facilities in Vannes (Morbihan) and Cholet (Maine-et-Loire). Reports from AFP indicated that the Minister of Industry faced intense verbal confrontations from distressed employees during his visit.
The Minister Delegate for Industry, Marc Ferracci, arrived in Cholet “to connect with and support the employees who are facing a human tragedy.” However, his visit was short-lived, lasting only “three minutes” as he departed shortly before 1:00 PM following a heated exchange, as noted by union representatives.
Before leaving a steering committee meeting with local officials and union representatives, the minister expressed his sorrow regarding the closure decisions, stating, “I deeply regret the closure of the Cholet and Vannes sites, as well as the manner in which this was communicated to the workers.” The closures could threaten over 1,250 jobs by 2026.
Workers Demand Accountability from Michelin
Romain Denecheau, a CFDT representative from the Cholet factory, remarked, “I am pleased that politicians are finally recognizing the harsh reality of Michelin; they were taken aback by the brutality of this announcement.” Following the minister’s departure, hundreds of employees marched through the industrial zone of Cholet, chanting slogans such as “50 years to wear us out, 5 minutes to fire us” and “Michelin is beautiful, always money before people.”
From early morning, protesters set tires ablaze in front of the Michelin site, displaying banners and messages highlighting “broken lives” and the feeling of hard work being disregarded. “Thank you for this great Christmas!” quipped the approximately 900 “children of Michelin” in Cholet, receiving support from onlookers.
Denis Masséglia, the Macronist deputy from Cholet, acknowledged the anger of the employees, who expressed their grievances to the Minister of Industry. He emphasized, “The State must provide support, but Michelin has to take responsibility.” Minister Ferracci reiterated the government’s demand for “dignified compensation with significant amounts” and prioritized job reclassifications within the Cholet employment sector.
In response, CGT Secretary General Sophie Binet asserted, “No, Mr. Ferracci, we are not here to fight for a check; we are here to fight for jobs.” She visited employees at the Vannes site, where around 300 jobs are at risk. Employees in Vannes began protesting as early as 6:30 AM, advocating for job retention in France, and even planted white crosses to symbolize the impending closure of their factory.
A gathering was also held in Clermont-Ferrand, the location of Michelin’s headquarters. Binet lamented, “Our flagship companies like Michelin no longer care about France, with only 15,000 jobs remaining out of 130,000.” She criticized the industrial policies of Emmanuel Macron for prioritizing multinational interests over local workforce stability.
Deputy Clémentine Autain, an ecologist, added, “We are hitting a new wall” due to public policies that fail to prioritize employees over profit. In the National Assembly, calls were made for an inquiry commission to investigate Michelin’s use of public funds, aiming to uncover the connection between massive layoffs, public support, and substantial shareholder payments occurring simultaneously.
Looking ahead, Marc Ferracci announced that the government plans to unveil “an emergency plan for the automotive sector at both the French and European levels” in the coming weeks. This initiative aims to provide structural solutions that support demand, investment, and comprehensive protective measures for the entire sector.