The workers of line 45 of the Condat paper mills have not put on their work vests since this Sunday, September 25. For four days, the line which manufactures the coated paper (a heavy paper of 200, 225 and 250 grams) is completely stopped for maintenance work. adds an additional week of closure. Consequence: from Thursday September 29 to the following Thursday, October 6, the 70 employees concerned are on partial unemployment.
Fewer paper orders
The reasons for this sudden interruption would be economic. “The coated paper order has fallen sharply in recent months” explains Eric Pestourie, CGT union representative. “Especially since the Condat group has decided to repatriate the production of coated paper to Spain, where production costs less. As a result, we have a lot fewer orders” regret this worker in Condat for 33 years.
Repeated partial unemployment
Employees are worried about the future of their profession. Especially since the company has already warned that the stoppage of line 45 will be repeated. Another period of partial unemployment is scheduled between October 19 and 23. Information confirmed by management but who does not wish to speak again.
This is the concern that weighs on the morale of all employees
“Uncertainty is the worst. For many years we have had other line closures. Each time, it is the concern that weighs on the morale of all employees” notes Eric Pistourie. “The solution may lie in new markets. This would allow us to survive and simply continue to work” he hopes.
The Condat paper mills had already made a change by launching a new production line for glassine, paper for labels. The installation of a boiler is also planned.to reduce production energy costs.