In Lannion, five days of strike, without union support, for a historic wage increase

2023-06-13 14:33:10

Idea Optical employees on strike are gathered in front of the factory in Lannion, in the Côtes-d’Armor, on Friday June 9. LAURA SALABERT / “THE WORLD”

This Friday morning, June 9, around twenty employees of Idea Optical (Lannion, Brittany) gathered under a makeshift barnum – a large tarpaulin, supported by an umbrella. ” It’s obvious that we’re not pros “, quips Maxime (all the first names have been changed), forklift driver for five years at this fiber optic specialist. The novice strikers do not hide their nervousness at the approach of the discussion between the director of the company, Franck Le Provost, and the staff representatives. ” I lose 70 euros a day, it may become complicated if we have to continue next week “, worries Samuel, worker in the logistics.

The spark that ignited the movement? The refusal of the management to negotiate the salary increase. “Every year, in July, the boss announces our annual increase, without the possibility of discussion”, explains Patrick, elected to the social and economic committee (CSE). An organization « acceptable » for employees, who until now have seen their income grow slowly but steadily. This was before inflation in 2022 – 5.2% over one year – does not undermine their purchasing power.

Samuel lives in Tréguier, 20 kilometers from the factory. Each month he spends around 200 euro” so that its « Export Suzuki » drive him to work. A significant cost for employees, often far from the center of Lannion, forced to cut back on their food budget. ” I’m going vegan, but it’s not a choice jokes Maxime. ” Me, even breaded fish I buy more “, reacts a striker.

Feeling of downgrading

Anne-Cécile, 36, an order picker with the company since 2015 and mother of three children, earns 1,783 euros gross per month: “ There is still some time, we lived well, with the children, we had a restaurant a month. Today, I can’t even afford them a McDonald’s anymore. “So to continue paying her bills during the strike, she draws on the profit-sharing and participation bonuses, 4,600 euros, paid in May.

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This feeling of downgrading is shared by the workers of the factory, whose wages are caught up by the minimum wage, which is indexed to inflation. ” A year ago, workers and employees received on average 150 euros more than the minimum wage. Today, we are only at 36 euros”, denounces the elected CSE. Various bonuses are well paid, but their amounts are judged “ridiculous” by Julie, who has been with the company for more than ten years: ” After twelve years, you receive a seniority bonus of only 80 euros gross. »

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