Lactalis buys Puleva Food

 

CCOO requests that Lactalis continue with the industrial project that has established Puleva as a leading brand in the domestic market.

 

 

For the Federation of Agrofood Workers of Comisiones Obreras (CCOO - one of Spain's leading labor confederation), the purchase of Puleva Food by the multinational corporation Lactalis marks a substantial shift in the country's dairy outlook, anticipating many changes in Spain's fragmented dairy sector over the coming years.

 

Puleva's sale responds to speculative interests at a time when what is expected of the country's business sector is that it act with social responsibility and work to create jobs and wealth.

 

In a country like Spain, in such dire need of strong industrial development to facilitate the transition from a brick-and-mortar based economy to one based on R&D&I and the creation of value, Puleva is an example of that other economy. But, of course, it must be difficult to turn down a 630-million-euro deal.

 

From an industrial perspective, Lactalis' purchase of Puleva should not put any jobs at risk. At least that's what both Puleva and Lactalis assure. And they're backed by the regional government of Andalucía, which has said it will be alert to any changes in employment.

 

Hopefully that is really the case, but as the most representative trade union of Puleva workers, CCOO will also be watching the situation closely, ensuring that no jobs are lost and defending the interests of all workers.

 

CCOO has initiated contacts to meet with the new Lactalis management to learn what its plans for the industrial project are, as it understands that any significant changes would hurt Puleva's position as a leading brand in the domestic market. Another aim of the meeting is to convey CCOO's commitment with respect to employment.