Renault workers protest in Paris

Plan to cut 6,000 jobs sparks anger

March 11, 1997
Web posted at: 10:44 p.m. EST (0344 GMT)

PARIS (CNN) -- Up to 10,000 workers from France, Belgium and Spain marched on the headquarters of Renault in suburban Paris Tuesday, protesting planned plant closings and job cuts by the French automobile giant.

The company recently announced that it would close its main plant in Belgium, putting 3,100 people out of work. Nearly 2,800 French jobs will also be cut this year.

The protest was seen as a sign of the unease many European workers feel with the increased competition -- and lack of government protection -- of a united European market. Renault's losses for 1996 are expected to top more than $700 million, according to French media reports.

Police in riot gear were stationed around the Renault headquarters, but no confrontations were reported. Workers did briefly block traffic on the freeway the circles Paris.

Paris bureau chief Peter Humi contributed to this report.

 

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