“Enough is enough”. The message was clear on Friday, July 31st at the CCISM, where the FIPCOM – MEDEF Saint-Martin brought together several representatives from the economic world to raise awareness about payment delays by the local authority. Construction workers, transporters, architects, retailers and restaurateurs They denounced a situation that weakens many businesses.
This statement originated from a letter sent on July 15th to the CollectivityFor Michel Vogel, president of the MEDEF, this letter constituted a “cry for help"faced with the difficulties encountered by companies awaiting payment for completed workThe total amount of unenforced court decisions alone would thus exceed €1,8 million. At the heart of the grievances : a firm timetable for regularization, greater transparency in invoice processing and a clearly identified contact person.
Weakened companies
In the sector of construction sector Professionals are reporting payment delays that could last several months, or even a year, and an amount of €20 million excluding late payment interest. A situation that directly impacts the cash flow and expenses of companiesArchitects make a similar observation and deplore a lack of answers and difficulties in monitoring casesStudies and projects already underway would thus remain pending. For shopkeepers and restaurateurs, these tensions extend beyond the businesses directly involved. The lack of cash flow has repercussions on the entire local economy and on purchasing power. In parallel, several projects meet up blocked due to a lack of responses to calls for tenders. Local businesses, weakened by payment delays, are now hesitant to commit to new public contracts, like the Grand-Case Association House.
Despite widespread discontent, economic representatives claim they want to prioritize dialogue with the relevant departments. “Politics is not our business. We want to work with the technicians and my thing“,” recalls Michel Vogel. Announced for Monday, August 3rd, the Collectivity's written response ultimately did not materialize. On Wednesday the 5th, however, the Collectivity proposed a meeting with representatives of the business community, scheduled for August 12th. To be continued… _Vx
Will the start of the new academic year be one of dialogue or of deadlock?
Faced with a situation that seems to be getting bogged down, the hypothesis of a collective action in September was mentioned. “Our goal is not to block,” insisted Gérald Gumbs, representative of the carriers, while calling for a general mobilization, with the idea of a closure of activities for one day: “If the population and all the professionals come together, things will change.” Michel Vogel mentioned this possible “general breakdown” as a symbolic gestureGerald Gumbs, who denounces two years of late payment The COM representative also raised concerns about waste collection: “I will not empty the plastic containers and glass bins until I am paid. I am saying this clearly.”
