It is a "huge victory" for 832 former Goodyear employees, in the words of their lawyer, Fiodor Rilov. The industrial tribunal of Amiens condemned Thursday, May 28 the American tire giant for "dismissal without valid economic reason". These former employees worked in the Goodyear factory in Amiens-Nord, which was closed in January 2014 and which then employed 1,143 people.

Management has taken "note" on its side of this judgment and indicates "reserve the right to appeal". The court nevertheless asked for a provisional execution of this judgment, according to Mr. Rilov.

The total amount of damages to be paid was not immediately available.

Profits of $ 1.7 billion at the time

During the so-called January 28 tie-breaking hearing, which was attended by around 550 people, Me Rilov stressed the worldwide operating profits of the Goodyear group at the time of the plant's closure, in the amount of $ 1.7 billion.

The lawyer considered this case as "emblematic of the refusal of workers to let themselves be crushed during the dismantling of their work tool while their employer makes colossal profits".

"I am happy and proud of the victory obtained today. It will not give work to those who have stayed by the road, will not restore social and human tragedies (...). But c "is a victory that gives us back our dignity in the face of a multinational that has despised and humiliated us", said Evelyne Becker, former CGT delegate for the company, in court, where only a few employees were returned. "Above all, this victory will allow us to move on to something else."

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_FR