Picture: Colourbox
This march comes amid a complete breakdown of talks between them and the French President who has accused labor unions of exaggerating the loss of jobs.
Angry over job cuts
After marching for ten days, these demonstrators have been joined by their colleagues in Paris. French steel factory workers from Florange, 350 kilometers east of the French capital, are angry over job cuts.
Since the start of the year, French iron and steel factories have seen several strikes. Initially the Florange Steel factory was 100% owned by French companies, and then sold to steel giant Arcelor Mittal.
China - labor costs are much lower
But with time, it has lost competition to steel factories in China where labor costs are much lower. This has increased fears in French factories as they see jobs and money go to more lucrative markets.
Read more: Ford to retain 1,000 jobs at French plant
President Mr Sarkozy has announced Arcelor Mittal will invest EUR 17 million to keep the factory working. But the miners say that is not enough.
Read more: Klöckner to cut 2,000 more jobs as it sees crisis lasting longer
Several other politicians have promised to help French iron and steel industry.
This is the time of elections in France and labor unions warn, who so ever wins the elections will have to keep the promises, If not, they will be back in Paris to demonstrate.
Read related article The end of the road for ArcelorMittal workers here on Metal Supply.
