“We are in the dark, it’s yo-yo”: the employees of the Fonderie de Bretagne are still waiting to be decided on their fate

A gloomy atmosphere this Monday, January 6, 2025 for the resumption of work at the Fonderie de Bretagne, in Caudan, whose future is taking shape more and more dotted. “Everyone was there this morning,” comments Éric Blanchier, CGT union delegate. But the machines didn’t work. “We had two general meetings with the unions and management.” The opportunity to take a quick update after the two weeks of closure and the end of year holiday break. “We are in total limbo regarding the negotiations. It’s the yo-yo: ten days ago we were going to close, now we’re talking again.” A CSE is planned for the beginning of the afternoon. “The CSE is an obligation but it will not have changed much.” On December 20, 2024, following a meeting with Marc Ferracci, Minister of Industry, employees of Fonderie de Bretagne learned that the future of the company of 300 employees was sealed. On Friday January 3, 2025, the minister indicated that although discussions with Renault were “at a blocking level”, he intended to “fight to try to bring points of view closer together”.

We tried to sort things out but it’s difficult to get to sleep.

“It’s a bad start”

The Fonderie de Bretagne parking lot is almost deserted. An employee returns home. He doesn’t really believe it anymore. “For me it’s over,” he says. After 19 years at home, the pill is bitter and the fortnight that has just passed has not been the easiest to live with. Despite the holidays. “We tried to sort things out but it’s difficult to get to sleep.” Not easy. Éric Blanchier also recognizes this. The situation of the Fonderie de Bretagne “was in family discussions”. This Monday, in front of the premises of the Social and Economic Committee, a small group of employees are discussing. “It’s off to a bad start, but we haven’t had an official letter,” remarked the trade unionist. At 53, he only knew the Foundry. “I’ve been in the company for 32 years. I have experienced crises but this is different because today we have a little less weight.” He still wants to believe in a favorable outcome. “It’s in the hands of Renault and the government.”

Partial activity from Tuesday?

If the machines are silent, they could be running again this Tuesday. “They want to put us into partial activity. They want to validate a team for the finishing touches, which would bring in some cash for the company. We still have a few days of work and that’s it.” He mentions a bloodless cash flow: €2.60 million. “January salaries are assured, suppliers must be paid but there is no money to restart the ovens.” While visits from buyers are mentioned, the trade unionist does not believe in a buyer who has strong backs. “There will be a lot of scrap metal dealers. Over the past year, 700 letters have been sent, only Private has responded.” The Foundry’s case was due to arrive before the commercial court in the middle of the week. It probably won’t be before mid-January. “The court date will be important.” With the key being a turnaround of the company, a liquidation or even the search for a buyer… Which Éric Blanchier does not really believe in. “Once the court has control…”

When contacted, the management of the Foundry did not wish to comment before the CSE was held.