ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impact of deindustrialisation on the Longwy region following the restructuring of the steel industry in 1978. The loss of thousands of jobs triggered mass protests, including a large-scale demonstration in Paris and the establishment of the pirate radio station Lorraine Heart of Steel, which gave voice to marginalised workers. Despite union efforts, an agreement in 1979 provided social protections but could not prevent the industry’s decline. The economic and social landscape of Longwy was transformed, with many workers commuting to Luxembourg for employment, leading to a shift from an industrial to a service-based economy. Attempts at industrial conversion, such as the European Development Pole, had limited long-term success, as some multinational companies left after receiving financial incentives. The demolition of Longwy’s steel plants erased much of its industrial heritage, contributing to the loss of working-class identity. However, recent initiatives, including archival projects and publications, aim to revive and preserve the region’s industrial memory. This case highlights the broader consequences of deindustrialisation in post-industrial societies, exploring themes of economic transition, social struggle, and collective memory in a community shaped by its industrial past.
