2024-11-09 04:30:00
This Monday, October 21, it rains in Lisieux. Already soaked like sponges, the fields, paths and gardens evacuate as best they can all this water which hits, like a metronome, the asphalt of the so-called Espérance activity zone, created in the early 1980s, on the plateau which dominates this town in Calvados.
Is it this wall of rain or resignation which explains that, under the two small CGT tents set up at the entrance to the Sanofi factory dedicated to the manufacture of the French’s favorite painkiller, only around twenty activists are standing in front of three thermoses of coffee, to denounce its sale. On the camping table, some leaflets from the inter-union: “Help us save your Doliprane”.
The day before, the multinational confirmed that it had every intention of selling 50% of the capital of Opella, its consumer drug activity (and therefore Doliprane), to an American investment fund, CD & R. With a codicil. After ten days of national uproar, in the press and in the National Assembly, Sanofi agreed to grant the State 2% of the capital and a place on the board of directors of the future group. An essentially symbolic concession, intended to stifle the mobilization. An exit from the top, as communicators specializing in crisis management like to say. Judging by the small crowd this morning in front of the gate of the Lisieux factory, the attack was perfectly calibrated.
“The matter is closed”
If the CGT hopes to be able to disrupt the production of the little yellow box for a few more days, the CFDT has given up its arms. “The matter is closed. We must save employees for the next negotiations with our future owner,” says Humberto de Sousa, the central CFDT delegate of Sanofi. Among the factory employees, it is initially a feeling of betrayal or disgust that dominates. And the fear that this French story is definitely slipping through their fingers.
“We make millions, but they want to make billions, says Christophe Quillet, elected from the CGT, who spent forty-one years at Sanofi, almost half of which on the Lisieux site. During Covid, we worked like crazy, the directors told us that we were the best in the world… And today, they are selling us to Americans. »
Is there an alternative? Not really. Certainly, the government could prohibit the operation by activating the Montebourg decree, which allows the State to oppose, in the name of sovereignty, the sale to a foreign competitor of a French company in a sensitive sector such as that of health.
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**Interview with Marc Lefevre, CGT Union Representative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Marc. Can you tell us about the recent developments regarding the sale of Doliprane and Sanofi’s decision to partner with the American investment fund CD&R?
**Marc Lefevre:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s a significant moment for the future of Doliprane. Sanofi has confirmed its intention to sell 50% of its subsidiary Opella, which includes Doliprane, to CD&R. This has sparked a lot of reactions, particularly as Doliprane is a household name in France.
**Interviewer:** I understand there was a demonstration at the Sanofi factory recently. What were the main concerns raised by the activists?
**Marc Lefevre:** Absolutely. The demonstration was attended by about twenty of our members, despite the pouring rain. Our main concerns revolve around job security and the fear that this sale could lead to downsizing or impact the quality and pricing of Doliprane. We feel that the sale to a private equity firm could prioritize profit over public health interests.
**Interviewer:** Sanofi has made some concessions to the state by offering a 2% stake and a seat on the board. Do you think this is a genuine effort to address public concerns?
**Marc Lefevre:** In my opinion, these concessions are largely symbolic. While it may appear that the state has a voice in the new structure, granting just 2% does not amount to meaningful control or oversight. It seems like a way to quiet public outcry without making substantial changes to the sale’s implications.
**Interviewer:** What are the next steps for the union and for those protesting?
**Marc Lefevre:** We’ll continue to mobilize and raise awareness about the potential consequences of this sale. Our message is clear: we want to ensure that Doliprane remains accessible and that the workforce is protected. We’re exploring further actions in the coming weeks, including more demonstrations and meetings with local representatives to keep this issue in the public eye.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marc, for sharing your insights on this important issue. We will continue to follow the developments surrounding Doliprane and Sanofi closely.
**Marc Lefevre:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep pushing for the interests of workers and consumers alike.
