Employees of Lafarge in hunger strike - September 28, 2011

To save their jobs, twelve employees of the Lafarge plant in Frangey, in the Yonne, have chosen the weapon of hunger. They begin on Tuesday the eighth consecutive day without food. Their camp of five tents in which they placed cots, is placed just under the windows of the direction of the cement business of the group at Saint-Cloud in Hauts-de-Seine.

With this strong action, these employees, joined by the mayor of the commune of the Yonne, hoping to push Lafarge to reverse its decision, announced in late May to close their factory. Frangey site, dating back over 80 years and employs 74 employees, should gradually close its doors next year to a permanent closure in April 2013.Lafarge justify its decision with "a local market that is reduced by 40% over-capacity and an inability of the site to produce cement that meets new environmental standards."

The CGT, the majority union in the factory, these sweeping arguments. "The business is viable and profitable. And if the activity of the furnaces is low, it is because the traditional customers come from other sites such as Le Havre. And when asked why they prefer to Lafarge as trucks do 500 km to deliver, they can not be explained, "protested Sylvain Moreno, union leader, who understands that this is part of" the strategy of large ". False, answer a spokesman for the cement, "There was never any agreement between Lafarge and its competitors."

"A pool damaged"

As the situation escalates, Lafarge insists that the closure will be without pay.The group "has provided 100% of reclassification with a job on a site of Lafarge Cement in France," said a spokesman. Other support measures include a support for moving expenses, payment of the new rent for 15 years, or the accompanying spouse in finding a new job. "We want a smooth transition because we understand the emotion and anxiety of employees," said she. "If the goal of Lafarge, CAC 40 company, is close to reclassify, industrial activity in France has fallen very low," said Sylvain Moreno for his part.

Meanwhile in Saint-Cloud, Lafarge claims to be in contact "permanent" with the striking employees who received a "medical assistance, psychological and technical" from the group instant payday loan. Lafarge, which does not want this movement drags on, wants to "find an expeditious solution."But the ground is hard to find since the cement does not reverse its decision so that the strikers call for maintaining a pure and simple activity on the site. "I do not know how long this can last, says Sylvain Moreno. But I know that employees are determined to stay the course. We are ready for us to launch legal proceedings against the group to prove a lack of economic reasons, "said trade unionist.

"What is annoying is that it's 74 fewer jobs in the basin of Tonnerre is already quite damaged. Since 2003, 1,100 jobs have already been lost here, "says Maurice Godard, representative of the local union CGT de Tonnerre (Yonne).

Political turn

An extraordinary central committee (CEC), during which the situation will be discussed Frangey, is expected on Thursday. "There will be others.We want to continue the dialogue process, "says one at Lafarge. "There is no social dialogue, slice Sylvain Moreno, who says that management plans to relocate the appointment for he did not take place in Saint-Cloud," which will result in throwing fuel to the fire, "he warns.

Meanwhile, the movement takes a turn more and more political. Yesterday, Manuel Valls, a candidate for the primary PS, passing the camp, said that "Lafarge is able to maintain this site. This is the direction to move because you have to maintain this site. " Before him, the President of the Republic Standing, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, came to see these "employees thrown like dogs" on the basis of arguments that "does not hold water."

The movement seems however not have the desired resonance within the company.A call to stop work was issued Monday on other sites but there has been little follow-up, pushing the CGT to regret "what little humanity" by other employees of the group.

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Wall Street should still brooding - September 12, 2011

The U.S. stock markets, should re-open in sharp decline on Monday. Future of Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100, respectively, in fact, retreating from 1.58% to 1134.10 points from 1.32% to 2135.75 points. Friday, Wall Street closed lower for the second straight session, giving back to concerns about the debt of several countries deemed weak in the euro area and undermined by doubts about the strength of growth in the U.S. .

U.S. markets were particularly accentuated their losses Friday after the announcement of the resignation of Jürgen Stark of the European Central Bank (ECB).Initially considered a symptom of divisions in Europe on how to overcome the crisis, the markets will interpret signs from Germany suggesting that Berlin no longer a failure to exclude Greece.

This morning the Asian markets all ended down sharply and European stock markets are displayed in red.

Investors in Europe, in Asia and the United States fear that Greece is not able to meet these budget commitments, which threaten to bankrupt the country and aggravate the crisis in Europe. The German Minister of Economy Philipp Rösler has also not ruled out a bankruptcy ordered Greece to save the euro.

These uncertainties weigh heavily on European banking stocks, weighed down by their exposure to sovereign debt but also by fears about their solvency and funding.Specialists in Harbor Advisory today "Wall Street will evolve with European banks, whose main problem is exposure to sovereign debt."

United States, Barack Obama will submit to Congress today plan to revive the economy and jobs announced Thursday, said on Sunday a senior White House. The President will renew his call "to Congress to adopt this bill, which contains the kind of proposals to grow the economy and create jobs."

Week is low in business results – the retailer Best Buy and diverse manufacturing Pall is the only component of the S & P 500 to publish figures – investors will focus primarily on a series of macroeconomic indicators.The latter include retail sales, the producer prices and consumption as well as statistics on the manufacturing sector.

Note, however, leading indicators of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published this morning, reporting a "slowdown" of the world's major economies.

The euro and oil fall

In the wake of renewed tensions, the euro fell against the dollar, the euro remained sharply lower against the greenback Monday, falling below $ 1.35 even briefly, as a result of a new access market panic response to the crisis in Europe. Mid-session in Paris, the single European currency was worth 1.3603 dollars against 1.3649 dollars on Friday night. Earlier, the euro fell to 1.3495 dollars, its lowest level since Feb. 16. The euro also fell to its lowest level in a decade against the yen.The euro bought 104.64 yen against 105.91 yen Friday. In the early morning, the euro fell to 103.90 yen, its lowest level since June 2001.

Under pressure from a stronger dollar, a barrel of oil has also dropped on the ground. In electronic trading in the morning, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for October delivery lost 1.23 dollars to 86.01 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery at $ 1.02 111 $ 75.

The side of values, the French group Technip Engineering said Monday the acquisition of the entire capital of the U.S. Global Industries, a specialist oil services submarines, based on a valuation of 1.07 billion dollars (770 million).Technip will pay $ 8 cash per share, Global Industries, a premium of 55% over the closing price of its prey Friday night on Wall Street.

For its part, the online retailer Amazon is in talks with publishers to launch a book rental service digital subscription, said Sunday the Wall Street Journal in its online edition.

After the unexpected departure of the patron saint of Internet giant Yahoo!, Carol Bartz, rumors of a union between Yahoo! and AOL have resurfaced. The CEO of the Internet service provider America, Tim Armstrong, have consulted with investment companies to test investor appetite for a reconciliation between the two groups advance Bloomberg.Tim Armstrong become the leader of the group.

For his part, extended the Hertz Global date of its offer for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTG) until November 1.

Wynn Resorts, Wynn Macau via its subsidiary announced the acquisition of land over 20 hectares to the government of Macau for approximately $ 193 million. The plot, located on the Cotai area, should allow the development of a resort and recreation.

Total discovered oil off French coast - September 10, 2011

The seabed French hide many treasures. Among them, the black gold. Total announced Friday a hydrocarbon discovery off the coast of French Guiana No teletrack payday loans. An oil rig exploration, which was installed in March to 150 km off the coast of Cayenne, allowed the discovery.

Accoyer "I measure the risk of rejection" - August 30, 2011

Unlike many leaders of the UMP, Bernard Accoyer does not support a convening of Congress on the golden rule if the vote is not granted.

LE FIGARO .- What impression do you get from the Summer of PS?

Bernard ACCOYER. – We saw a new battle of images and egos between the candidates in the primary. The PS seems to be a party curled up, in contrast to a world wide open. At La Rochelle, it was all in the posture of a facade of unity and there was nothing to find ideas to respond to the challenges of the moment. The PS stands still deal with the crisis.The implementation of its program for 2012, comparable to 1997 and even 1981, would have two consequences: swelling public spending and raise taxes, while France must control its spending and tax measures to adjust without affecting the household consumption or business competitiveness.

Among the subjects of contention between the majority and the opposition included the "golden rule". Do you support the convening of Congress?

It is a responsibility of the President of the Republic. It is major. French Parliament's vote on a commitment to fight against excessive deficits is a key decision. It is also a commitment of 17 countries in the euro area. We must measure the impact of the convening of Congress. I trust the president to decide or not.For my part, I hope of course that the golden rule is adopted, but I also measured the risks of this approach. Currently, all the conditions do not seem right for the look.

Namely, that you do not have three-fifths majority to pass it?

Indeed, I spoke with most opposition leaders. They spoke clearly. They are not committed to voting the golden rule in Congress. Pending the outcome of consultations with the Prime Minister, I note that the French Socialist Party is the only one in Europe to adopt this posture.

Should we still call the Congress?

The president said if the opposition decided not to join this initiative, decisive for the future of Europe, it would be one element of the debate for the next presidential campaign totally free credit score. There is no emergency.We have until the summer of 2012 to reform the Constitution. Until then, it happens a lot and the French will have to choose between courage and dangerous demagogy.

What would happen if the text was finally rejected in Congress?

The absence of a qualified majority in Congress, after a positive vote in both chambers, would be a first under the Fifth Republic. The risks of rejection are real in a very sensitive issue, so we know very well that national unity has a lot in the difficult times through Europe and the euro, and also through France.

Jean-Francois Cope continues to ask Borloo to surrender to appear in 2012. Do you think the president of the Radical Party will go anyway?

Borloo belonged to the government of François Fillon for nearly four years.It is in the majority, a personality that counts. He contributed greatly in the ministries which he was responsible. His place is obviously in the campaign alongside Nicolas Sarkozy, not a competitor.

You think he will return to the fold?

I hope with all my heart and, as an intelligent and responsible, I think.

What makes you optimistic for the re-election of Nicolas Sarkozy?

What matters are not the polls, which have often said the opposite of what came out of the polls. The important thing is what has been done and what the French can expect the next five years. The President has taken, in exceptional circumstances, the right decisions at the right time with courage. Nicolas Sarkozy, during his presidency of the European Union or the G20, led the way.It was also the strong man in particularly difficult crises: the economic crisis in 2008, the crisis in Georgia, the Libyan crisis. The French need in a dangerous time, a head of state determined, courageous and experienced.

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MTV, transgressive for 30 years - August 9, 2011

Thirty years and not a wrinkle. MTV has reached a venerable age but decided not to grow old with those who, on 1 August 1981, discovered amazed the first television channel dedicated to music. A pioneer, she said that day, not only by imposing as a signature image of an astronaut planting a flag alum and weapons of MTV but also by spreading the first music video in the history of television, Video Killed the Radio Star of Bugglers. Created by Warner and American Express, American chain invented at the time, "the first form of synchronization between picture and sound," but also popularized "the phenomenon of DJs who will push to the extreme contextualization of the music. "In short, MTV is a string subversive.

"Music has long been a huge factor for personalization and identification of the artists," says Thierry Camas, president of MTV Networks France. "We got dressed, and adopted the lifestyle of our stars." With MTV, fans no longer confined to the glossy magazines but follow the escapades and the hits of their heroes on TV and live … historical moments. And Michael Jackson invented the moonwalk, virtually live on the chain-y launched its exclusive clip Thriller. A real event that had nothing to envy to the cinema with his unique format of 14 minutes.This video has forever changed the art of music video and assured the heyday of the chain.

Sensor trend and unparalleled observer of the youth which is the heart of business, MTV is probably the first to feel the mid-1990s that music is becoming commonplace in the extreme. Developed in 2010, the words "Music Television" logo. "The accessibility of music on all platforms, sharing it via social networks has introduced a twist that few industries have known," said Thierry Camas.

Teen in all its formats

The chain is reinventing its original format and media proclaims generational and transgressive. In those years, the musical chain accounts for only 50% of the grid. But to counteract this movement, the group creates variations 100% music.MTV puts adolescents at the center of its innovative all-out in terms of formats. It in the headlines by inventing the first two reality shows with "The Real World" in 1992 and later, the controversial "Jackass." The chain has also exported its "Pimp My Ride," the reality show with crazy cars. Bought in 1986 by Viacom, MTV is developing an international and binding on all distribution platforms. It now operates in 160 countries and has 170 variations. For the group, only one word: "preserve the value of content" on all modes of broadcasting, including video on demand.

"We're agnostic in terms of distribution provided that we are paying," insists Thierry Camas.Today, the group derives its income to 60% of the royalties from operators and 40% advertising.

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SNCF advantage of the good tourist season in France - July 29, 2011

The political crisis of the Maghreb countries, boosting the number of tourists to France this summer, benefits the station. "We see a strong recovery in passenger traffic in France since mid-May," said David Azema, deputy director general strategy and corporate finance. After a difficult start to the year, hit by ongoing work on the network, the TGV of domestic activity recovered in the second quarter, with sales up 4.5% at end June The trend was more spread earlier this year. Throughout the first half, the station achieved a sales increase of 9.5% (6.1% at constant perimeter and constant exchange rates), to 16.3 billion euros. Firmly committed to a recovery plan of its accounts by 2015, it increased its operating margin to 8.4% (against 6.8% at end-June 2010). For the record, she has set a minimum of 10% in 2015."The accounts of the first half showed that we are on track, says David Azema. We do what we said, with the obsession of a return to a satisfactory level of profitability to cover investment needs essential to the quality of service and development. "

In one year, SNCF has stabilized its level of debt (8.7 billion euros) and increased its net profit group share of 478 million euros to 558 million, mainly due to the improvement in profit Financial.

The company is now able to self-finance 92% of its investment. During the first six months, it has invested 1.3 billion euros ($ 1.1 billion from its own funds). A 80%, this is the purchase of equipment (43 TER trains, 20 trains Francilien, 4 TGV trains, 26 locomotives …).

Italy boasts the leading producer of wine - June 13, 2011

On a European total of 157.2 million hectoliters, Italy has produced 49.6 million and France 46.2 million, according to data from the European Union published this weekend by the conference Italian Agricultural Confederation, Coldiretti.

In the first quarter of this year, exports grew by 15%. This growth reached 31% in the United States, became the first foreign market, thanks to a clever marketing high risk personal loans.

However, despite the improvement of the quality achieved by the winemakers Alps, French wine prices are twice as high. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne others have done last year 6.33 billion euros in exports, against 3.93 billion euros for Italian wines.

Public debt: France must convince in 2012 and beyond - May 31, 2011

Good student, but must continue its efforts. It is, in short, the message delivered by the rating agency Fitch in France. She confirmed the debt rating "AAA", the best possible, with stable outlook. The French government has taken "a series of measures", says the agency, "which have improved the outlook for public finances." And mention the pension reform, or the draft law in fixing the principle of balance of public finances.

"However, these efforts must be extended to stabilize and then reduce the level of debt of France, which was the end of 2010 to 81.7% of gross domestic product (GDP)," warns Maria Malas-Mroueh, responsible scoring countries at Fitch. A number of risk still hovers in effect on the financial health of the state. Starting with 2012, a major election year.It should not, Fitch warns that the budget skids on the bottom of the presidential election. Especially since the forecast growth in the medium term Bercy (+2.5% per year) are considered "optimistic."

It should not, the agency said that the newly elected unleash the flange to the public finances in 2013. Instead, the agency left little choice to the government that emerges from the polls: "We expect the 2011 budget will meet its objectives (a deficit of 5 Internet Payday loans.7%, Ed), but further efforts are needed to reduce the deficit to 3% of GDP in 2013, as agreed. " Debt levels will then stabilize at a level higher than before the crisis, reducing the flexibility to cope with future crises.

Note "under pressure"

In the medium term, Fitch added that "the memo from France could be under pressure (read: be revised downward, Ed) if the competitiveness of France was deteriorating again and if the position of France was weakening." The agency plans and the current account balance, ie the difference between money coming in and who leaves the territory, will remain negative in 2011 and 2012, approximately 2% of GDP. Fitch impels France to further reduce its "structural rigidities".

Despite these black spots, the Hexagon rest for now, said the agency, a "healthy and diversified economy," equipped "social institutions, civil and effective policies." He added: "financial flexibility reflect its status as a major issuer of sovereign benchmark in the eurozone. Clearly, the markets like, so far, take on France.

Lagarde said a candidate for the leadership of the IMF - May 25, 2011

The French Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday his candidacy official in the Directorate General of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"I decided to present my candidacy for the general direction of the International Monetary Fund," she said at a news conference at his ministry. She said she was comforted by the support of many countries and agreed that it was a "huge challenge" to run the estate of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who resigned after being charged with attempted rape .

Christine Lagarde said to have "quite a clear conscience" in the case Tapie, where it could be investigated for abuse of authority because of his role in the arbitration award in favor of the man business. If the investigation should be launched, then "I will maintain my candidacy," said the minister.

The IMF plans to appoint by the end of June the new IMF chief. Applications may be filed from Monday until June 10

The Tokyo Stock Exchange started the week poorly - May 9, 2011

Despite the good employment figures in April in the United States, the Tokyo Stock Exchange does not follow the upward trend in most other Asian financial centers. Shortly before the close, the Nikkei lost 0.49% to 9810.49 points. And this, after opening slightly up by 0.23%. The stock index has erased its gains following the resurgence of the yen against the dollar (the dollar to 80.56 yen quoting, down 0.20%). Suddenly, the export values ​​as automakers were down: Toyota loses 0.77% to 3185 yen and Nissan loose 1.03% to 769 yen.

After the attack of hackers he was the subject last April 20 which led to the flight data from more than 100 million customers, Sony announced Saturday that its services online games, downloading, music and video on demand would remain closed until an unspecified date.Financial markets do not seem worried about the news, climbing from 1.72% as at 2301 yen.

Other Asian stock markets rise sharply

On other Asian financial centers, the trend is clearly upward, with investors reassured by the numbers of U payday loans online.S. employment in April unveiled last Friday. In China, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong gained 0.92% to 23,373.20 points and the CSI 300 Index is 0.49% at 3136.73 points. Elsewhere, Taiwan TAIEX advances from 0.90% to 9057.71 points, the KRX 100 Index in Seoul was up 0.46% at 4600.22 points, the S & P / ASX 200 in Sydney was up 0.42% points to 4762.70 and the FTSE Straits Times rose 1.34% to 3140.97 points.Only 30 of Bombay BSE Sensex lost 0.40% to 18,445 points.

Oil prices regain some ground

Oil prices were on the upside Monday in electronic trading in Asia, resuming after the sharp fall of over 15%, observed last week.

In morning trading, a barrel of light sweet crude for June delivery gained 1.18 dollars to 98.36 dollars. That of Brent North Sea also June delivery gained 52 cents to 109.65 dollars.