The ongoing strike reflects deep concerns among workers about the impact of financial investments on essential healthcare products. The potential sale of Doliprane has become a symbol of broader issues regarding industrial policy and the prioritization of profit over public welfare.
The involvement of public investment bank Bpifrance in the deal indicates a governmental interest in maintaining some level of control over essential drug production, but many workers feel this is insufficient to guarantee their job security.
If the sale proceeds as planned in 2025, there may be significant job losses at the Lisieux site and potentially other Sanofi locations, as financial firms often prioritize profit over long-term employment stability.
The public and political backlash could lead to increased scrutiny of foreign investments in critical healthcare sectors, prompting future legislative changes to protect essential industries in France.
Olivier Faure, the leader of the Socialist Party (PS), visited the striking Sanofi site in Lisieux, advocating for the cancellation of the sale of Doliprane's production to the American investment fund CD&R. He emphasized the importance of 'industrial sovereignty' and expressed concerns over job security and the public interest. The sale of Doliprane, a widely used pain reliever in France, has sparked significant public and political backlash due to its implications for employment and healthcare access.
The strike at the Lisieux site, which has been ongoing since Thursday, is a response to the lack of satisfactory assurances regarding job security and production continuity in France. Union representatives have indicated that other Sanofi sites across the country are participating in solidarity strikes, highlighting the widespread concern among workers about the proposed sale.
In Compiègne, while the strike has been suspended, union leaders have warned that they will mobilize again if negotiations regarding social benefits do not proceed favorably. The government has announced a tripartite agreement aimed at ensuring the sustainability of production sites and protecting jobs, but many workers remain skeptical about these assurances.
