Marionnaud workers protest over proposed job cuts

A new plan by the major French perfumes distributor Marionnaud to cut 740 jobs has generated worker protests in Paris and four other cities.

Earlier this year the company, employing over 4000 people in France, said it would cut its workforce by just over 700, or 17%, while maintaining its 562 retail outlets. However, the latest round of negotiations ended without appeasing the four union groups involved and strikes were called.

Marionnaud has said the protests do not in any way freeze the process of trying to agree a social plan and it is willing to pursue talks. Arbitration is also under consideration.