New Fabris May Still Blow Up

After the initial threat to blow up their former place of employment was tackled by the French government's good will and willingness to sit down and talk, the 366 New Fabris workers seem to have returned to their belligerent state.

Following what appears to have been an unfruitful discussion yesterday, the GTC union is considering resuming the "money-or-we'll-blow-the plant" threats. "We knew very well we wouldn't get everything today," Eric Poisson, a representative of the CFDT union was quoted as saying by Autonews. "If there is no progress, the canisters will return," he said.

Remember the canisters? Actually, "gas bottles placed in various parts of the factory and connected to each other," as the union said when the standoff began.

Last week, Renault has expressed its willingness to buy the share of the parts inventory that had been produced for it. "Renault is prepared to buy the share of the parts inventory that had been produced for it, subject to their quality, quantity and on condition that the proceeds be used to supplement the indemnities of the employees."

French workers are displeased by the proposed amount of compensation they will receive following the closure of the facility. They are demanding some 30,000 euros for each of those involved, yet the other side is only willing to pay them 11,000.

Despite workers' war-cry, the protest have so far been non-violent, unlike in South Korea. Still, such actions are poised to become the weapon of choice for workers, especially for those who have been left with no other choice.