French boss kidnapped in protest over job losses

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Pharmaceuticals chief Luc Rousselet was locked in a room at the 3M factory at Pithiviers, 60 miles south of Paris.

Mr Rousselet, director of the American 3M Group, had arrived yesterday to negotiate severance pay after 110 of the 235-strong workforce were sacked.

He was grabbed by militant trade unionists, leaving him "extremely distressed", said a company spokesman.

Jean-François Caparros, of the FO union, said: "Management is responsible for this situation. This kind of action is the only negotiating tool we have. The director is in no danger. All we are asking is that our demands for fairer pay and conditions are met."

A police spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation. A judicial representative is attending along with our officers."

Ten days ago workers at a Sony factory in France took two executives hostage in a dispute over lay-offs. They were held for 18 hours.

The 3M kidnap is the latest clash between unions and management in France, which is being hit by lay-offs in the economic downturn.

Last week up to three million people took to the streets to protest against the handling of the financial crisis.