Dismissal or reclassification: resigned and “betrayed”, the employees of Madeleines Colibri faced with a cruel choice

On January 9, the State validated the employment protection plan (PSE) of Maison Colibri, the Roullier group has just announced via its subsidiary Paticeo. Renowned for its madeleines, the Pons factory (Charente-Maritime) must close its doors by October 2026. According to the rare information provided by Paticeo, “support and/or internal reclassification measures” will be offered to “the 66 employees affected by the cessation of activity”.

“Correct measurements”

Contacted, Julien M., one of the staff representatives, evokes “correct measures” marked by bitterness. Aid may in particular be paid to access new training or to create a business. Employees who opt for internal reclassification will benefit from salary maintenance or even moving assistance.

They will be able to apply throughout the Roullier group, historically specialized in “plant and animal nutrition” and possibly turn to a job “unrelated to chocolate”, the emblematic know-how of Maison Colibri.

“A fixed-term contract until October”

According to Julien M., “170 positions are currently to be filled throughout mainland France, including in Derval”. This town in Loire-Atlantique is home to another Paticeo factory capable of producing madeleines. Resigned and “betrayed”, the employees know that their permanent contract is now equivalent to “a fixed-term contract until October”, summarizes Julien M.

The Paticeo subsidiary also indicates that it is still looking for a buyer for the Pontoise factory “while the legal deadline provided for by the Florange law has expired”. Production will be maintained until October 2026, she specifies.