French Workers at EssilorLuxottica Launch Coordinated Strike Calling for Fair Pay

A three-day nationwide strike begins this week as French employees of EssilorLuxottica call for improved wages following the company’s strong financial performance.

French employees of EssilorLuxottica are preparing for a coordinated three-day strike, with unions announcing that nearly 9,000 workers across the country are set to take part.

The action is scheduled from November 27 to November 29, marking the first time all major union organisations have united for a company-wide movement.

Union representatives said the decision followed months of discussions, as workers expressed that wages had not kept pace with rising performance figures.

EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear manufacturer, reported record results, with quarterly sales reaching 6.87 billion euros in the three months to September.

The strong performance renewed debates among employees about compensation, especially as living costs in many French regions have continued to climb.

The company operates several facilities across France, including research centres, distribution networks, manufacturing plants and retail outlets.

Earlier this year, EssilorLuxottica inaugurated a new production site in the Grand Paris area, aimed at expanding output for ophthalmic lenses and strengthening domestic manufacturing.

Union FO Metaux said the strike seeks to send a unified message to management, emphasising that workers expect wage policies to reflect the company’s financial achievements.

The labour groups highlighted that this is not an isolated protest, but a coordinated effort across all EssilorLuxottica entities in France.

Employees reportedly want negotiations that ensure wages match economic conditions, and a long-term commitment to fair compensation structures within the company.

Unions stated that workers remain proud of contributing to the firm’s global success, but stress that recognition must also come through equitable pay improvements.

The upcoming strike is expected to affect several areas of operations, though essential services within retail and support teams may continue at reduced capacity.

Management has not yet issued detailed comments about the planned industrial action, but discussions between representatives and leadership are expected to continue this week.

The situation reflects broader labour trends across Europe, where employees in multiple sectors are pushing for pay increases in line with strong corporate results.

As the strike period approaches, observers anticipate close monitoring of its impact, both on production timelines and on future negotiations between staff and management.

Unions have indicated that the goal is not disruption for its own sake, but a constructive dialogue that results in meaningful wage adjustments.

The coming days will likely determine whether this coordinated action leads to progress, as workers express hope for an agreement that acknowledges their role in the company’s success.

With EssilorLuxottica continuing to expand its global footprint, employees believe this is an important moment to ensure fair and sustainable workplace policies.

The outcome of this strike may influence broader conversations in the French labour landscape, especially in sectors experiencing strong financial growth but rising worker concerns.

For now, unions say workers remain committed to the three-day demonstration, aiming to highlight the need for balance between corporate performance and fair employee compensation.