Goodyear

French wine bottle producer sheds workers as it hands out €100m in dividends

France — Report

The global glass packaging firm Verallia produces two-thirds of new wine bottles in France and despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic it recently announced pre-tax earnings of 299 million euros for the first half of the year and paid out 100 million euros in dividends, most in the form of shares. Yet the company, which is owned by a New York-based private equity firm, has also announced a restructuring plan in France which will see the closure of one of its furnaces and the loss of more than a hundred jobs. Manuel Jardinaud reports on the mood of the company's workers in Cognac in south-west France as they fight to save their jobs.

French Goodyear firm workers jailed for sequestrating managers

France — Link

An Amiens court gave eight strikers protesting plant closure nine months in prison for unlawful confinement of two managers in January 2014.

Goodyear reaches severance deal for northern France plant closure

France — Link

A bitter dispute over the closure of the Amiens plant ended when workers occupying the site accepted significantly increased severance pay. 

Labour tactic raises fear for France

France — Link

Observers say 'boss-napping' of two executives at Goodyear plant may damage France's reputation as destination for foreign investment.

Restive staff seize bosses at French Goodyear site

France — Link

Angry workers holding two managers in 'boss-napping' at factory in northern France are demanding more money in exchange for loss of their jobs.

US tyremaker Titan 'in U-turn' over French Goodyear plant purchase

France — Link

French industry minister says Titan boss Maurice Taylor has made an offer for French tyre plant which he once said he would be “stupid” to buy.

France responds to American CEO's 'three hours of work' jibe

France — Link

Minister Arnaud Montebourg blasts Maurice Taylor's "insulting" note as "extremist" and "demonstrating a "perfect ignorance of our country". 

US boss mocks 'three hours a day' French workers

France — Link

The head of US tyremaker Titan has mocked French workers and told ministers his company would be "stupid" to take over a troubled French factory.

Goodyear to close major plant in Amiens

France — Link

US tyre maker Goodyear is to close a loss-making plant in northern France, which employs 1,173 workers, following a long conflict with unions.