On 5 November, France's trade unions are organising a national day of action to defend employment and demand a dignified future for workers and their families. Plant closures and decline continue to affect many sectors. This mobilisation sends a clear message: Europe cannot afford to lose its manufacturing base.

The French mobilisation matches the objectives of industriAll Europe's 'Enough is Enough' campaign. Across Europe, workers are facing the consequences of underinvestment, unfair competition and the absence of a coordinated industrial strategy. European and national policymakers must stop deindustrialisation and create the conditions for sustainable growth. The challenges facing workers in France are shared across borders. Preserving manufacturing capacity requires a European response.

The transition to a climate-neutral and digital economy must go hand in hand with major investment, strong social dialogue and collective bargaining. Workers should not bear the cost of this transformation. Industrial and social policies must work together to deliver certainty, decent wages and opportunities for coming generations.

Governments and employers must move beyond cost-cutting measures and commit to long-term development. Trade unions are calling for just green and digital transitions, and for meaningful worker involvement in decisions at both company and political level.

Commenting on the mobilisation, industriAll Europe’s General Secretary Judith Kirton-Darling said:

"The demands of our French affiliates reflect the aspirations of workers across Europe. Their priorities are fully aligned with industriAll Europe's ongoing campaign. We stand firmly with our French members in their call for a future with secure employment, decent working conditions and an end to austerity."

Solidarity letter: FR