he political climate is intensifying the concerns of employees and union representatives at the Emile Huchet coal plant in Saint-Avold, Moselle, as its future remains uncertain.
Thomas About, a CFDT union delegate, shared this sentiment with AFP following a meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
A Difficult Meeting with Limited Progress
About described the meeting as “very complicated,” citing the political context with the upcoming snap parliamentary elections as a contributing factor.
However, the parties involved managed to establish a schedule for tripartite meetings between “government services, the company, and social partners,” as well as with the Directorate General for Energy and Climate, an entity that will remain in place regardless of political leadership changes.
About expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming discussions, stating, “We will finally manage to all sit around the same table and be able to exchange views.”
He acknowledged this as a “small step” achieved during the meeting with members of Industry Minister Roland Lescure’s cabinet, but emphasized that it was “the only progress of the day.”
Two Pending Projects and Growing Concerns
Two projects hang in the balance: one involves converting the coal unit to biomass, a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron in September, and the other focuses on hydrogen production.
The announcement of the dissolution of the National Assembly further fueled employees’ anxieties. They now fear having to wait until “October, November, for a new government to be formed, for people to take note of the issues.”
David George, a CFDT representative, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our future is at stake (…) because Emmanuel Macron’s government has not been able to give us answers.”
Employee Actions and Demands
In response to the growing uncertainty, employees have initiated a filtering action at the roundabout nearest the coal plant, disrupting traffic on a major highway and near several industries. George explains, “We apologize to the residents, but this is the only time we can make ourselves heard.”
Black smoke continues to rise from the plant as a visible protest, urging the government and GazelEnergie’s management to address the concerns of hundreds of employees, both direct and indirect. The unions have also called on their shareholder to “preserve our jobs until 2028.”
Government Response
Minister Lescure’s office considers the meeting “constructive,” highlighting the alignment between the CFDT and the government on the “triple imperative: definitive and complete exit from coal, continuity of activity for employees, and acceleration of the reindustrialization of Moselle.”
The future of the Saint-Avold coal plant remains uncertain, with employees and unions demanding clear answers and job security amidst a rapidly changing political and energy landscape.