France: Strike at Kronenbourg to continue

Workers at the Kronenbourg brewery at Obernai in north east France have voted to continue a strike against compulsory overtime and in support of a wage rise, Euro News reported June 7. The unions said they have completely shut down production at the brewery which is owned by the British company Scottish & Newcastle.

One striker explained: "I prefer to work 35 hours a week and live my life not spending Saturdays at work, but instead being with my family at the weekend."

Management want to increase production following the closure of the only other Kronenbourg brewery in France last year. Spokesman Jean Hansmaennel said: "The fact is that when you have the possibility of full order books, and for your factory to be operating at full capacity, it's better if you don't let that opportunity go by."

The trade unions have rejected an offer of an annual maximum of 48 hours of compulsory overtime together with an end of year bonus if production targets are met.