Goodyear Amiens Nord deal ends years of tension

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Minister of Industrial Renewal Arnaud Montebourg have welcomed the end of the long-term standoff over Goodyear’s Amiens Nord factory. In a statement issued on 22 January, Montebourg expresses confidence that the signing of a deal between Goodyear management and representatives of the CGT (Confédération générale du travail or General Confederation of Labour) union will end the plant’s occupation and seven years of tension. “I am pleased to note the reciprocal concessions made by both sides of the conflict and it is satisfying to see that nothing can now impede the site’s acquisition,” wrote Montebourg.

The minister anticipates that the agreement between Goodyear and the CGT clears the way for Titan International to acquire the Amiens Nord agricultural tyre business, which will secure 333 jobs at the site for a period of four years and lead to investment in the site.