the economic issues seen by the employees and the management of a factory in Beauvais

In Beauvais (Oise), in the last French toothbrush factory, out of the 40 employees, three employees and the boss share their expectations about the presidential election. As in many companies, employees watch their salary closely. Angelique, 52, would like “win more” : after 35 years in the factory, she is paid 1,500 euros. Gaëtan, 25, technician, would like “be beyond 2,000 euros net”because “everything increases, except [les] wages”. However, they do not wish to touch the 35 hours.

Olivier, the co-manager, would like to increase his employees, but is waiting for government aid. “We are practically at a rate of 50% of charges for a company”, he recalls. According to Laetitia, the human resources manager, the industry suffers from an outdated image. She would like to convince young people to stay. “It is important that the government can give young people a boost, to go to these companies”, she says. All of them are nevertheless proud of their company, which manufactures products made in France, and generates employment locally.