ArcelorMittal's office in France attacked - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

ArcelorMittal's office in France attacked

AFP | By, Gandrange (france)
Apr 04, 2008 10:24 PM IST

French workers in an ArcelorMittal steel plant smash up their boss's office after management says many jobs would be cut.

French workers in an ArcelorMittal steel plant smashed up their boss's office on Friday and threw his furniture and files out of the window after management confirmed hundreds of jobs would be cut.

HT Image
HT Image

The attack, witnessed by reportrs and police, who did not intervene, came after about 60 workers tried to break down doors to get into a meeting at which managers told union leaders that 575 jobs would go due to the plant's partial closure.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

After the workers' council meeting at the Gandrange plant in northeastern France, members of the CGT union, who had been refused entry, fought briefly with members of another union, the CFDT. There were no injuries.

A group of CGT supporters then headed to the plant director's office to tear it apart, journalists at the site witnessed.

The Gandrange plant of ArcelorMittal, the world's biggest steelmaker, is facing a restructuring plan that would see the elimination of more than half the jobs from a workforce of 1,108 between now and 2009.

CFDT representative Edouard Martin said Friday that the only hope now was that President Nicolas Sarkozy would "keep the promises he made to the workers of Gandrange on February 4."

Sarkozy's office said that the president would meet Monday with union leaders from the plant to discuss its future.

Sarkozy said during a visit to the plant in February that the government was ready to use state funds, despite concerns from the European Union, to invest in the factory "because our goal is to keep factories open in France.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On