French union CFE-CGC’s steelmaking section has met prospective socialist Presidential candidate Francois Hollande in a bid to convince him of manufacturing importance as the country goes to the polls later this year.
The CFE-CGC represents major elements of France’s automotive manufacturing sector – most notably in the recent bitter dispute at the Fonderie du Poitou Aluminium whose site is a significant supplier of cylinder heads to Renault – with the union having the ear of some of the country’s most senior politicians.
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“The CFE-CGC’s Steelworking section expects, on the candidate’s part, a focus when it comes to industrial policy of putting into practice a real reindustrilisation,” said a statement from the union.
“Job policies can only exist with a clearly identified strategy, a strengthening of competivity, growth and productive investment in R&D and innovation. The CFE-CGC Steelmaking section equally put its proposals to Industry Minister, Eric Besson, during his visit to Thionville on 13 January.”
Representatives from CFE-CGC met French President Nicolas Sarkozy last week, rather bizarrely at the foot of his aircraft steps, after it landed at Poitiers airport, to discuss the Fonderie du Poitou Aluminium situation.
The Head of State assured union officials: “Don’t worry – I know about this…I will not let you fall.”
