Lubrizol Strike Shuts Down Rouen and Le Havre Plants Over Restructuring Plans
A strike brought production at Lubrizol’s Rouen and Le Havre sites in France to a standstill on Tuesday, February 18, in protest of a restructuring plan that threatens nearly 150 jobs in Seine-Maritime, Agence-France Presse (AFP) learned from a union source, confirming information reported by Ici Normandie.
"The CGT is going on a week-long strike," Thomas Ferment (CGT) told an AFP reporter outside the Rouen site, which was hit by a massive chemical fire in 2019. "All production staff are on strike in Rouen and Oudalle [near Le Havre], we are at a standstill in safe mode," added the union representative.
"The CGT is demanding the withdrawal of the PSE (job protection plan) because the factory is doing well, we are still making money," he said. "They want us to believe that we lack competitiveness, but we produced 350,000 tonnes in 2024," said Mr. Ferment. "In comparison, our competitor Chevron produced 270,000."
Lubrizol France produces additives for gasoline, diesel, engine lubricants, and industrial lubricants at its three French sites in Rouen, Oudalle, and Mourenx (Pyrénées-Atlantiques).
At the beginning of February, management announced a PSE plan with the elimination of 169 positions, including 145 of the 367 jobs at Rouen – Petit-Quevilly. Contacted by AFP, management said it was "surprised" and "regrets" the strike, recalling that it had agreed to postpone the PSE procedure by three weeks.
"The PSE came as a shock, no one expected it," said Reginald Sauvalle, a CFDT delegate, assuring that the factory is "viable" and denouncing the opening of "customer centers" and "a mega-factory in India." "We are negotiating with management that we don’t know, that we never see," said the union representative.
According to him, the PSE was implemented "in relation" to the fire that occurred at the Rouen plant on September 26, 2019. The combustion of 10,000 tonnes of chemical products caused coughing, respiratory problems, irritations, sore throats, nausea, and vomiting in a part of the local population.
A follow-up report from the University of Rouen highlighted the presence of eight substances classified as "carcinogenic and mutagenic, endocrine disruptors and/or reprotoxic, or toxic to aquatic organisms" in the environment. A presence "reliably only related to the fire".
Strike Highlights Concerns over Safety, Job Security
The strike at Lubrizol’s Rouen and Le Havre plants underscores ongoing concerns about safety and job security in the wake of the 2019 fire.
The massive blaze raised questions about the safety precautions in place at the plant and the potential risks posed to the surrounding community. The presence of hazardous substances in the environment following the fire further fueled these concerns.
Meanwhile, the restructuring plan announced by Lubrizol management has sparked fears among workers about job losses and the future of the plants. The union’s demand for the withdrawal of the PSE plan reflects these concerns.
Need for Dialogue and Transparency
The strike also highlights the need for open dialogue and transparency between management and workers. The union’s claim that they are not adequately consulted or informed about management decisions is a recurring issue in industrial disputes.
Building trust and fostering a positive working relationship between management and employees is crucial for maintaining a stable and productive working environment. This requires open communication, regular consultation, and a willingness to address concerns and find mutually acceptable solutions.
Impact on Production and Economic Activity
The shutdown of Lubrizol’s Rouen and Le Havre plants is likely to have an impact on production and economic activity in the region. The company is a major supplier of additives for the automotive industry, and the strike could disrupt supply chains and affect production at downstream businesses.
The economic consequences of the strike will depend on its duration and the effectiveness of contingency measures put in place by Lubrizol and its customers. However, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with industrial disputes and the need for timely resolution.
Ongoing Negotiations and Outlook
Negotiations between management and the union are ongoing, and the outcome of the dispute remains uncertain. The union’s demand for the withdrawal of the PSE plan is a significant obstacle, and it is unclear whether management is willing to make major concessions on this issue.
The resolution of the strike will depend on the ability of both sides to find common ground and reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of the workers while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of Lubrizol’s operations.
