Caterpillar workers release executives after French president promises to save plant
In these tough economic times, workers in France will do whatever it takes to make management listen to their demands, even if it means holding them hostage.
In the latest standoff, between workers at a Caterpillar plant in the French Alps and their bosses, the workers let four executives go after holding them for more than 24 hours earlier this week in a dispute over employee severance packages.
The workers agreed to release the executives after French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he would meet with union members and save the site.
Earlier this year, the Peoria, Ill.-based manufacturer announced it would be cutting 22,000 jobs around the world. Combined with those already laid off and those whose contracts weren't renewed, about 1,000 workers at the French factories in Grenoble and Echirolles are losing their jobs.
Last week, workers at a 3M plant in Pithiviers, located in central France, also held their boss hostage for more than 24 hours in a labour dispute and workers at a Sony plant in Pontonx-sur-l'Adour, in southwest France, held their boss overnight in an attempt to get better severance packages.
