Strike continues at Corsica ferry group

[struggle4progress]

SNCM as unions reject latest govt offer
10/06/05 04:59 pm

PARIS (AFX) - Workers at the state-owned Corsica ferry operator SNCM rejected today the government's latest proposals for its sell-off of the company, and voted to continue a strike that is now in its 17th day.

At a meeting with union officials yesterday, Finance Minister Thierry Breton insisted that state participation in the privatised concern could not go beyond 25 pct, but offered an increased stake of 9 pct to the 2,400-strong workforce, compared with a previous offer of a 5 pct stake for employees.

But the General Labour Confederation (CGT), which has led the strike since Sept 20, continues to demand that the state retain a majority stake in the ferry operator, and sell only a minority stake to private investors.

Last week the strike led to a near-blockade of the Mediterranean island of Corsica and several outbreaks of violence between police and protesters. <snip>

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