Strike at Groupe Nice-Matin Halts Newspaper Publications
Concerns rise over potential printing relocation and deteriorating working conditions within the organization.
On March 13, no newspapers from Groupe Nice-Matin were published due to a strike related to various employee demands.
The main concerns revolve around the future of printing operations.
A statement from the Niçois typographic union (CSTN/CGT) expressed anger over a proposed collaborative printing center between Groupe Nice-Matin and La Provence in Le Muy, Var.
Employees fear that Xavier Niel, individual shareholder of Groupe Le Monde and owner of Groupe Nice-Matin since 2019 through his holding company NJJ, may relocate production to Vitrolles in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
The CGT union highlighted the troubling prospect, proclaiming, “The future looks bleak and the social repercussions could be dramatic.
The blame lies with a billionaire shareholder who refuses to invest in safeguarding our jobs, satisfying our readership, or even maintaining a newspaper worthy of its name, especially since paper still accounts for 80% of our revenues!”
Tensions are also escalating within the editorial team covering Alpes-Maritimes, Var, and Monaco regions.
A motion of no confidence against the management committee was passed by majority during two general assemblies held in Nice and Toulon on March 6 and 7, respectively.
This motion was formally submitted to the management on March 13, according to the SNJ union.
The motion chiefly condemns “the unbearable deterioration of working conditions following numerous departures over the last five years.” It raises questions, stating, “How can we face the municipal elections, 'our World Cup' as our editorial director puts it, when he fails to replace positions in his teams?” The union demands a “concrete and precise response” ahead of another general assembly scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.