Hundreds of workers have demonstrated against the closure of Continental’s tyre factory at Clairoix in Northern France.

There were protests outside the plant itself with effigies of managers being pummelled and strung up. And at a hotel in the nearby city of Reims managers attending a works council meeting were pelted with eggs. Workers said they’re worried for the future: “If Continental closes here, all the factories in this area that are in trouble will shut as well.” Another said: “How can we not feel let down? Half the people round here work for Continental. I know people, there are five brothers, who all work in the same factory.” Continental said it understands the workers feelings and anger but falling demand means the plant which employs over 1,100 people has to close in March next year. The French government and Continental’s management are at odds over whether the company followed French law when it announced plans to shut the factory. The matter could yet end up in the courts with a union challenge to the closure.More about: France

Copyright © 2012 euronews