Menu
08/04/2009
British Bosses Released By French Workers
Three British bosses held captive by workers at a French factory over plans to close the site have been released.
According to European Finance Director, Ian Bushell, unions representing employees at British manufacturer Scapa, held the managers overnight after a breakdown in negotiations on Tuesday.
The executives and a local manager, who were captured at British firm Scapa on Tuesday night, have now left the site.
The stand-off is said to have began when the representatives of management of the group travelled to the site in the south-eastern town of Bellgarde-sur-Valserine to discuss the conditions of the closure.
It is understood around 100 employees face redundancy at the firm, which manufactures adhesive films and tapes for the car and construction industries.
This is the latest in a string of instances where French workers have impounded bosses. Employees of French factories belonging to Sony, Caterpillar and 3M have previously held executives hostage in recent weeks in attempts to avoid layoffs, or to negotiate better severance payouts.
Meanwhile, a new poll carried out has indicated many in France support the recent tactics. The CSA agency said a poll shows 45% of French believe sequestering the boss is "acceptable" during protests over lay-offs or other company action.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, however, has vowed to end the practice of "boss-napping" after four factories were targeted by militant workers in the past month.
Mr Sarkozy said: "What is this business of sequestering people? We have the rule of law, and I will not let matters go on like that.
"We can understand that people are angry, but this anger will subside with answers and results, not by aggravating matters with actions that are contrary to the law.
"I am insisting the police and courts arrest and prosecute those workers who take the law into their own hands in this way."
(JM/BMcC)
According to European Finance Director, Ian Bushell, unions representing employees at British manufacturer Scapa, held the managers overnight after a breakdown in negotiations on Tuesday.
The executives and a local manager, who were captured at British firm Scapa on Tuesday night, have now left the site.
The stand-off is said to have began when the representatives of management of the group travelled to the site in the south-eastern town of Bellgarde-sur-Valserine to discuss the conditions of the closure.
It is understood around 100 employees face redundancy at the firm, which manufactures adhesive films and tapes for the car and construction industries.
This is the latest in a string of instances where French workers have impounded bosses. Employees of French factories belonging to Sony, Caterpillar and 3M have previously held executives hostage in recent weeks in attempts to avoid layoffs, or to negotiate better severance payouts.
Meanwhile, a new poll carried out has indicated many in France support the recent tactics. The CSA agency said a poll shows 45% of French believe sequestering the boss is "acceptable" during protests over lay-offs or other company action.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, however, has vowed to end the practice of "boss-napping" after four factories were targeted by militant workers in the past month.
Mr Sarkozy said: "What is this business of sequestering people? We have the rule of law, and I will not let matters go on like that.
"We can understand that people are angry, but this anger will subside with answers and results, not by aggravating matters with actions that are contrary to the law.
"I am insisting the police and courts arrest and prosecute those workers who take the law into their own hands in this way."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2013
Foreign Office Tells Britons To Leave Libya
The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to immediately leave the Libyan city of Benghazi, following “a specific threat to Westerners".
Foreign Office Tells Britons To Leave Libya
The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to immediately leave the Libyan city of Benghazi, following “a specific threat to Westerners".
11 September 2012
Single Gun Used In French Alps Murders
In the ongoing investigation into the killing of four members of a British family while on holiday in the French Alps, and a local cyclist, French police have said just one gun was used. Officials told reporters in Annecy that ballistics tests found 25 spent cartridges left at the scene, which came from a 7.65mm calibre semi-automatic pistol.
Single Gun Used In French Alps Murders
In the ongoing investigation into the killing of four members of a British family while on holiday in the French Alps, and a local cyclist, French police have said just one gun was used. Officials told reporters in Annecy that ballistics tests found 25 spent cartridges left at the scene, which came from a 7.65mm calibre semi-automatic pistol.
06 September 2013
Brother No Longer Main Suspect In Killing Of British Family In French Alps
At an update meeting on the case of the deaths of three Britons and a cyclist in the French Alps, police have said their main line of enquiry remains a dispute over family inheritance. Saad al-Hilli was shot dead along with his wife, Iqbal, her mother Suhaila al-Allaf and French cyclist Sylvain Mollier on 05 September 2012.
Brother No Longer Main Suspect In Killing Of British Family In French Alps
At an update meeting on the case of the deaths of three Britons and a cyclist in the French Alps, police have said their main line of enquiry remains a dispute over family inheritance. Saad al-Hilli was shot dead along with his wife, Iqbal, her mother Suhaila al-Allaf and French cyclist Sylvain Mollier on 05 September 2012.
08 July 2013
Female French Student Killed On 'Boris Bike'
A 20-year-old female French student has died after the 'Boris Bike' she was riding was involved in a collision with a lorry. The incident happened in east London on Friday evening. The victim has not yet been named as authorities have not yet been able to inform her next of kin.
Female French Student Killed On 'Boris Bike'
A 20-year-old female French student has died after the 'Boris Bike' she was riding was involved in a collision with a lorry. The incident happened in east London on Friday evening. The victim has not yet been named as authorities have not yet been able to inform her next of kin.
07 March 2006
Points-based immigration criteria scheme launched
A new points-based immigration system, similar to that used by Australia, has been launched by the Home Secretary. The points based system is a central part of the Government's five year strategy for asylum and immigration, which was published in February 2005, and aims to ensure that only those who benefit Britain can come here to work or study.
Points-based immigration criteria scheme launched
A new points-based immigration system, similar to that used by Australia, has been launched by the Home Secretary. The points based system is a central part of the Government's five year strategy for asylum and immigration, which was published in February 2005, and aims to ensure that only those who benefit Britain can come here to work or study.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
