Marseilles (AFP)

The national daily press has been absent for 10 weeks from newsstands in Bouches-du-Rhône and part of the Var due to a blockage on the distribution side linked to Presstalis' bankruptcy filing. The kiosks, at bay, appeal to the State.

Since the bankruptcy of Presstalis, which has become France Messagerie, the situation has tightened in the Marseille region around the takeover of the local subsidiary, the SAD (Company of agency and distribution), which the workers want to transform into a cooperative society. collective interest (Scic).

The CGT, which occupies the SAD warehouse in the northern districts of Marseille, wishes to take over the press distribution activities from Marseille and Toulon, but also in the distribution areas of Fréjus and Avignon - i.e. an exactly corresponding scope. to that of SAD.

But France Messaging side, they are only offered to take over Marseille and Toulon: "the mandates of Fréjus and Avignon have already been awarded to others," confirms a spokesperson.

According to the CGT, only this perimeter would make it possible to maintain 84 jobs (out of 130) and to pool resources to be economically viable. And if the workers say they are ready to resume work via a temporary management while awaiting the constitution of the Scic, the takeover stumbles in this case on problems of lease of the warehouse.

"Since May 13, we no longer have the national dailies, no longer premium products like Paris Match, Le Monde, L'Équipe. We have a net loss of 50% of our turnover," sighs Michaël. Cano, manager of the Delibes kiosk in Marseille.

For a few days now, Le Figaro has been delivered to them by a private service provider and they have found Elle or Télé 7 Jours on their stalls. But if it had not been for the exceptional sales of the containment, they could not hold out.

"The CGT wants to save jobs but they let us go," annoys the kiosk who tries to diversify, especially with the receipt of parcels.

In Lyon, where the same perimeter problems arise, press distribution was able to resume in early July.

"The press is a product of public utility and I find it amazing that elected officials, the government do not bang their fists on the table", responded to AFP Nicolas Laugier, representative in the Paca region of the Professional Union of newsstands and newsagents.

The prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône tried to mediate during a meeting on July 16, but it has so far not resulted in any concrete solution.

The CGT-SCLCE (General Syndicate of Books and Written Communication) calls for a rally on Monday 10:30 am in front of the new headquarters of the Le Monde group in Paris.

© 2020 AFP