“We didn’t think it would be so fast”: in Roubaix, disillusioned Camaïeu employees

Maximilien Carlier (in Roubaix), edited by Gauthier Delomez 06:03, August 02, 2022

"We suspected it but we didn't think it would be so fast", breathes many employees of the Camaïeu ready-to-wear company.

The northern brand, which employs 2,571 employees, has been placed in receivership for the second time in two years following the decision of the Lille Commercial Court.

And in front of the head office of Camaïeu, in Roubaix, employees are disillusioned.

"We left for a galley"

A story that repeats itself for Christine and Victor.

"It still hurts, but we hope everyone will continue in good conditions," says Victor at the microphone of Europe 1. "We are very stressed because we experienced this situation in 2020. We all talk about it between us well. Of course, some have children, they are afraid of losing their job. We left for a hassle, we'll see."

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We must keep hope, insist these two employees, even if the northern brand has been weighed down by the Covid and the successive confinements.

The CGT denounces "a social breakage"

In a press release, the management intends to work on the continuation plan in order to "preserve the activity" but for Thierry Siwik, CGT union representative, there will be layoffs.

"We know perfectly well that from the moment we seize a company in receivership there is social damage," he says.

“We will not be surprised that in this plan there are reductions in staff, closing of stores … That, we cannot accept,” supports the CGT union representative.

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We are at the same point "as two years ago", admits this trade unionist, who is considering strong actions, such as a strike in stores and walkouts from the start of the next school year.