Orange Temporarily Closes Marseille Site Amid Rising Neighborhood Tensions

Orange has announced the temporary closure of its Marseille site, which employs approximately 1,000 people, due to escalating tensions in the Saint-Mauront neighborhood. The closure, effective from November 27 and expected to last until mid-December, follows a series of public disturbances near the National metro exit, including a violent altercation among drug dealers and a shooting incident on October 23 that left employees confined for safety.

The CFDT union expressed its concern over narcotics trafficking in the area, describing the situation as putting employees in a state of siege. Meanwhile, Corinne Simon, police prefect for Bouches-du-Rhône, denied the involvement of rival gangs but acknowledged the complexity of the neighborhood's issues, promising increased police presence to safeguard workers.

The CGT union criticized Orange's decision to close the site, urging management to focus on securing the site long-term rather than abandoning it, warning that closure sends a negative message to staff and local residents. During the closure period, Orange is allowing employees to work remotely or transfer to other locations, aiming to mitigate disruption.

This development highlights the challenging social environment affecting business operations in Marseille, with law enforcement and unions calling for sustainable security solutions beyond temporary measures.