The French are famous for many
things. The Eifel Tower, fine wines, delicious baked goods, impressionist art
and a general sense of haute couture. However, we do not usually think of the
French when it comes to the art of negotiation.
French labor unions have mastered
a new technique for negotiations. French workers are known for going on strike
to express their dissatisfaction. Taking it a step further, workers have taken
to kidnapping executives in order to make a point and make their demands.
In a Goodyear plant, located in
Amiens, France, union workers were frustrated by the company’s plans to close
the plant. The union apparently had enough. Two of the plant’s executives were
held in an office at the site and the doors were blocked off with large farm
tires (after all it was a Goodyear plant).
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| by Rubohcity from Wiki Commons |
The two bosses were allowed to
keep their cell phones and communicate with family while the union presented
its demands. The workers wanted a severance package of $108,000 for each
employee, plus $3,400 for each year worked. Who wouldn’t want a deal like that?
As it turns out, it is somewhat
common for French unions to hold company leaders hostage. It certainly helps
create media attention and perhaps sympathy, at least by some people. The legal
penalties seem relatively minor for these offenses. It is almost like an inside
joke, a way to vent frustration with a stingy boss or company. In this case,
the two men were released after being held for two days. Unfortunately, the
union members also set fire to tires around the perimeter of the site, creating
clouds of black smoke.
In the past, executives from
other companies, such as 3M, Sony and Caterpillar have been held hostage during
labor negotiations. Company leaders working in France may need to start
demanding ‘danger’ pay to compensate for the risks.
On the serious side, this was
part of a long, ongoing feud between executives and the workers. Ironically,
the left-wing union, accused French President Francois Hollande, a member of
the socialist party, of working in cohorts with the business.
The lesson here is a reminder to
keep in mind the morale of employees and consider the impact on an
organization. It may not result in someone blocked into an office with tractor
tires in the doorways, but ongoing tension can lead to acts of workplace
violence or sabotage. Businesses cannot bend to every demand or union
bargaining tactic. However, leaders should give realistic thought to concerns
such as raises, bonuses and the general well-being of employees. Overlooking those
concerns can, in the long run, be detrimental to the bottom line.
For companies operating in other
countries and dealing with other cultures, it is a valuable reminder to
consider differences as to how businesses operate, and the associated risks
from work stoppages to executive kidnappings.
In the meantime, if you want a
raise, consider the “French Press” method of negotiation and hold your boss
hostage. Of course, along with the raise, you may want to ask for immunity too.
Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority
on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement
as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and
security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations
provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.
If you
would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.
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