For the second consecutive day, the regional newspaper La Provence has not been printed due to a strike initiated by the Filpac-CGT union. This labor action, which began on Saturday, May 3, 2025, was prompted by the announcement of a job protection plan (PSE) that threatens dozens of jobs, particularly among printers.
On Sunday, May 4, and Monday, May 5, only the digital version of La Provence has been available, which typically sells around 65,000 copies daily across the Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Hautes-Alpes regions. The strike has also affected La Tribune Dimanche, a weekly publication that, like La Provence, is owned by CMA CGM, which is controlled by Rodolphe Saadé. This publication did not appear in paper form in the southeast, southwest, and Rhône-Alpes areas.
The Filpac-CGT union announced the strike following the unilaterally declared job protection plan on April 29, which they described as "brutal" and demanding its complete cancellation. The union's statement highlighted that the PSE endangers approximately 75 jobs, with 51 directly tied to the printing facility. A union delegate referred to the situation as a "social massacre," emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
In a statement, the Filpac-CGT union asserted, "La Provence is a common good. It cannot be reduced to mere accounting lines. We defend our jobs, but also a certain idea of free, local, and quality journalism. The struggle will continue until the plan is withdrawn." This sentiment reflects a broader concern for the future of local journalism amid economic pressures.
Jean-Christophe Tortora, the director general of CMA Media, which oversees La Provence, addressed the situation on Monday evening. He assured that a redeployment proposal would be made for each affected employee. Specifically, 25 redeployment opportunities will be offered within a new printing plant that CMA Médias plans to acquire in Vitrolles, located about 30 kilometers from Marseille. This move comes as the current printing facility in Marseille is set to close in September 2025.
Tortora explained that the decision to close the Marseille plant was made prior to CMA CGM's acquisition of La Provence in October 2022. He stated, "This was not our decision; the cession of Salengro had been decided before our takeover." He expressed confidence that with the new facility in Vitrolles, La Provence will finally have its own industrial tool, which it deserves.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. The PSE also includes options for some employees to take early retirement, while others may receive reassignment within CMA CGM. Tortora revealed that the decision to opt for the Vitrolles site was partly due to difficulties in finding suitable locations for a new printing plant, citing "acceptability issues" from local municipalities regarding industrial installations and their associated nuisances.
Previously considered sites in Cannet-des-Maures and Muy were deemed unsuitable, and Tortora indicated that the state has recently made it clear that it will not support new printing plants, preferring instead to promote the pooling of existing facilities.
The strike at La Provence highlights the ongoing struggles within the media industry, particularly in the face of economic constraints and the need for sustainable practices. As the situation unfolds, both the union and the management will need to navigate these challenges to secure the future of the publication and its employees.
As the strike continues, there remains uncertainty about the long-term implications for La Provence and the local journalism landscape in southern France. The resolution of this conflict will likely set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, reflecting broader trends in the media industry.
