The Bourse du Travail in Bordeaux, a building with an impressive Art Deco façade, is facing significant damage after heavy rains in November 2023 caused part of the ceiling to collapse. The secretary general of the CGT Union in Gironde, Stéphane Obé, describes how water leaks through the flat roof, causing flooding in the hall four floors below. The iconic 6,000-square-meter building, designed by architect Jacques d’Welles, houses the offices of various trade union organizations in the region.
One of the most heavily damaged areas is the Ambroise Croizat hall, a former 1,200-seat venue adorned with intricate frescoes and moldings, which was used for events until 2010. Following a survey in late 2023 that revealed the presence of asbestos, access to the hall has been restricted. Despite these challenges, Stéphane Obé highlights the cultural heritage within the Bourse du Travail, emphasizing the importance of sharing such wealth with the wider community. The building was originally created as a space for workers, blending culture and empowerment.
The Bourse du Travail was established as a place “by workers, for workers”, with the additional aim of serving as a cultural and educational hub for the community. Corinne Versigny, a member of the preservation collective for the Bourse du Travail, explains that the Bordeaux establishment is unique in France for combining cultural heritage with worker solidarity. The building has historically been a space for job seekers, union activities, training, and organizing, with a focus on democratizing culture and making it accessible to all, not just the elite.
Initially granted exclusive management rights to the Bourse du Travail, the CGT Union faced challenges during the German occupation from 1940 onwards when unions were outlawed. Following the Liberation, the CGT regained control of the building, but subsequent mayors, including Alain Juppé and Jacques Chaban-Delmas, reportedly viewed it with skepticism and attempted to alter the Union’s management of the facility. Despite these conflicts, the Bourse du Travail remains a symbol of worker solidarity and cultural heritage, reflecting the ongoing struggle to preserve and promote its historical significance.
The restoration efforts required to repair the structural damage caused by the flooding in 2023 are estimated to take fifteen years. The Bourse du Travail represents a pivotal site in the history of labor activism in Bordeaux, embodying the ideals of worker unity, cultural enrichment, and social progress. Despite the challenges faced by the building, its legacy continues to resonate with trade union members and the broader community as a symbol of resilience, solidarity, and the enduring importance of preserving cultural heritage.
