“What is possible in Alès must be possible in Nîmes”: Sophie Binet inaugurates the Alès Labor Exchange under the CGT

Sophie Binet, entourée de Martine Sagit et de Francis Iffernet, deux figures du syndicalisme alésien. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

La secrétaire générale de la CGT a visité ce mercredi 10 décembre le bâtiment fraîchement rénové après une longue période de travaux.

She was eagerly awaited by the Alesian union figures, gathered in their hundreds in front of the steps of the Labor Exchange. On the occasion of a visit to the Gard this Wednesday, December 10, Sophie Binet, general secretary of the CGT, made a point of visiting the freshly renovated premises of an emblematic building of "the& ;rsquo;history of the city" dating from the mid-19th century. Heritage in danger, it has been the subject of heavy renovation work since 2019.

A 700,000 &euro project; supported by the City and the mayor of Alès, Max Roustan, who came to cut a first ribbon on December 16. With the arrival of its general secretary, the CGT wanted to cut, “internally to the union" in the words of its Alésienne referent, Martine Sagit, a second ribbon to mark the end&quot ;d’a fight that lasted more than ten years" to save the building and its activities.

A second ribbon cut by the CGT to celebrate "a huge victory". Midi Free – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Also read: "Without a Labor Exchange, we cannot defend people…"

Alès example

"Alès, it’s a land of struggle, it’ it is a working land", recalls Sophie Binet, evoking the latest mobilizations against pension reform or, even older, the struggles waged by trade unionists during the mining era. The preservation of a Labor Exchange in the Cévennes city makes it possible to continue its initial function of "breaking the isolation of the worker from the boss."  "This great victory of Alès must also have a spillover effect, continues Sophie Binet, who also launches a scathing message aimed at other openly elected officials, to Jean-Paul Fournier, mayor of Nîmes, in particular. I advise him to have a little discussion with the mayor of Alès…" In December, Nîmes elected officials voted to sell the premises where the Solidaires union is located, the forcing them to settle within the walls of the local union of the CGT, already too cramped, and for which the city of Nîmes demands compensation.

The union took stock of the mobilization day of January 21. Midi Free – ALEXIS BETHUNE

During her visit, the general secretary spoke with several union representatives from the Basin. Midi Free – ALEXIS BETHUNE

The large hall of the Stock Exchange was full to listen to the speeches. Midi Free – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Max Roustan: "He had the wisdom to understand"

Without speaking openly of gratitude to the mayor of Alès, "he had the wisdom to understand that it was necessary to listen to the CGT and the trade union organizations", continues Sophie Binet. "When we found a solution for him, he couldn’not say no to us. He almost congratulated us by saying that he recognized the work that was being done in these places,” adds Martine Sagit, indicating that the CGT “welcomes 100 to 120 people in distress per month,” here, as part of its legal permanence.

An Alèsian case that Nîmes, and ’other mayors in France", should therefore take into consideration for Sophie Binet: "What is possible in Alès must be possible in Nîmes and everywhere in France. All localities should have a Labor Exchange! When we close a labor exchange, it’s not trivial. When we close one, we drag down the rights of employees. It’s abandoning them to an unequal face to face with their bosses. A work exchange is not just a place, it is an organizational framework for solidarity and the balance of power."

Next mobilization on January 21

"A law of shame." It’s with these words that Sophie Binet, general secretaryéné ral of the CGT, summarizes the immigration bill, adopted in Parliament in December. During his time à Alès, the general secretary of the CGT relaunches the union’s call for action. demonstrate, on January 21, against a law “danger to the republic”.

This day of mobilization, which will be followed in the capital of the Cévennes, also wants to be a new sign launched to the head of state and Gabriel Attal, whose recent appointment has not aroused much apparent enthusiasm here. "I’wait to see the result", comments Sophie Binet. "The President of the Republic chooses to appoint his former spokesperson, it’s quite a symbol. For us, a Prime Minister should not be a collaborator, but a head of government. And for us, a change of direction is absolutely necessary."