Loiret: Fabien Roussel at Duralex’s bedside to support 230 employees

In front of the Duralex gate in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin (Loiret) hang several dozen waving leaflets and flags. PCF and CGT activists met this Monday, April 22, at noon near Fabien Roussel, national secretary of the Communist Party, to support the 230 employees of the famous glass factory who last week demanded compensation for damages.

“There is a real interest in protecting this industrial tool. Plus, it’s glass, not plastic, made in France, it’s good for the planet,” insists PCF number one. The elected official, a northern MP, explains that he has come to “defend the company, listen to employees, assess the looming danger” and “have the right arguments to challenge the government.” “The government can and should act to reduce company energy costs,” he adds, also calling for support for communities through public procurement.

Employees did not leave their workplaces

Among other elected officials present at the gathering, the city’s mayor welcomed the mobilization around Duralex, although he did not hide his concerns about the future. “Until now, they have always managed to bounce back, so I want to believe in it, there is a desire to find a buyer,” insists Valerie Bart-Chenault.

Employees did not leave their workplaces; only two members of the Duralex union were present on site. “Life is hard, rent has to be paid, inflation, people are worried, no one wants to talk,” notes Jérémie, a CGT trade unionist who has worked in production for “six or seven years.” “In addition, we work on the same line and many colleagues are on vacation,” adds François Dufrasne, elected to the socio-economic committee.

All of them are now awaiting a hearing in the Orleans Commercial Court. On Wednesday, the court will rule on a lawsuit seeking legal recovery from the management of New Duralex International and must appoint a temporary administrator, while it will take time to find, if possible, a buyer for the glass factory.