Decathlon Workers Strike Over €1 Billion Dividend Payout

Employees protest perceived inequity in value distribution after major dividend allocation to Mulliez family shareholders.

Decathlon employees, supported by the CFDT union, staged a nationwide strike and protests on December 7, 2024, demanding fairer value distribution.
The protests were triggered by the company's €1 billion dividend payout to the Mulliez family, owners of Decathlon and other major retail brands like Auchan and Leroy Merlin.
Union representatives criticized the decision, highlighting stagnant wages and deteriorating working conditions for Decathlon's 20,000 employees, many of whom earn the minimum wage.
Decathlon CEO Fabien Derville defended the dividend as a reinvestment in entrepreneurial ventures but acknowledged poor timing given ongoing layoffs at Mulliez-owned Auchan, threatening 2,389 jobs.
The CFDT has called for a formal inquiry into public subsidies received by Mulliez companies and is pressing for a redistribution of profits to benefit workers.