GERMANY/FRANCE: Some 170 workers have been occupying the ALCATEL plant site in Berlin since the middle of September because the giant French electrical and electronics multinational is planning to close its cable factory there. The German metalworkers' union, IG Metall, categorically denies ALCATEL arguments stating that the factory is losing money.
Because of the rapid de-industrialisation of Berlin, the ALCATEL move creates great concern in Berlin and the workers' protests are being supported by the general public, the media, churches, all political parties and the city government.
IG Metall is contacting French unions organising ALCATEL, and the German Social Democrats intend to contact the governing French Socialist Party, pointing to the recent decision taken by French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to prevent the closure of a Michelin tire factory in southern France.