A long strike at Fountaine-Pajot
The Charente factories of the Fountaine-Pajot shipyard have been the site of a labor dispute since December 3, 2021. Launched by the CGT-FO-CFDT trade union, the movement is focused on wage demands. At the height of the movement, the unions claim to have reached up to 75% mobilization. While the CFDT has left the movement, FO and CGT are continuing their call for a strike. The Dufour shipyard, also a member of the Fountaine-Pajot group, is not affected by the movement, although the unions are supporting it. Negotiations are at a standstill for the moment, pending a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 15. Employees are asking for an hourly increase of 1.20 euros gross, while management is proposing a 3% increase which is only 31 cents per hour for low wages "underlines the CGT.
Wage increases over time
For the CGT union delegate Robert Colin, the 2021 movement is to be understood in the long term. " The situation goes back to 2003, when we signed a profit-sharing agreement. At the time, we were asking for a 13th month, but management said that profit-sharing would be more favourable to the employee. In fact, apart from 2010, this has always provided more than a 13th month. But this is not included in the contributions and in the calculation of pensions and is not taken into account by the banks. In 2021, the cost of living has increased. Older people realize that with a salary of 1200 or 1300 euros, they will only have 900 to 1000 euros in retirement. Young people have to move to the 3rd or 4th ring with the price of real estate in La Rochelle. This means that they have to move, at a financial cost and for the environment. Today, the management has a dogmatic position by saying that the profit-sharing will represent 3 to 4 salaries. "
To support his claims, the union representative recalls the exceptional results of the Fountaine-Pajot group in 2021, with a strong increase in cash flow and, at the same time, a decrease in payroll during the pandemic.
For its part, the management of the Fountaine-Pajot group did not wish to comment before the end of the next meeting.
