De Dietrich's Job Cuts in Alsace Trigger Employee Frustration and Political Tensions
De Dietrich's planned job cuts in Alsace have ignited employee frustration and political tensions.
Key Points
- • De Dietrich plans to cut 370 jobs, 320 at the Alsace site.
- • Employees feel betrayed after making concessions to support the company.
- • Local political tensions arise involving a National Rally deputy.
- • The site has been operational for several years with about 800 employees.
In Mertzwiller, near Strasbourg, tensions rise as De Dietrich, part of BDR Thermea, announces plans to relocate its production to Turkey and Slovakia by 2027, resulting in the elimination of 370 jobs, with 320 positions impacted at the Alsace site. Employees express deep frustration over the decision, feeling betrayed after having previously made sacrifices, such as deferring bonuses and working extra hours, to support the company during tough times. Maxime, a 26-year-old worker, articulates the sentiment of many, saying, "After all, why not," suggesting a growing bitterness among those who believed their loyalty would be rewarded.
The Alsace site has been operational for many years and currently employs about 800 people. The announcement has not only disrupted the workforce but has also sparked local political unrest, particularly involving a deputy from the National Rally (RN), complicating the discourse surrounding the future of the employees. Concerns about the handling of the cuts in relation to the deputy's involvement have further fueled discontent within the community, as employees feel uncertain about the management's motives and transparency regarding these changes.
As local workers brace for these drastic changes, the political landscape surrounding the RN’s role adds an additional layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.