Cigarette factory workers continue strike

The workers have been on strike since Tuesday Keystone

At least 500 people have attended a demonstration near Lausanne in support of striking workers of the Filtrona cigarette factory.

The employees, who began their strike on Tuesday, fear the closure of the plant. Negotiations with management are set to begin on Monday.

The workers decided to continue the strike through the weekend even though the management agreed on Friday to begin talks.

“We’re convinced that it is important to continue the strike despite the recent development,” said union spokeswoman, Denise Chervet.

The company had threatened to fire workers taking part in the strike, calling it illegal.

The Crissier factory was purchased one year ago by the British-based multinational Bunzl group, and was integrated into its Filtrona division, which specialises in the manufacture of cigarette filters.

Closure?

The trade union, Comedia, has said it fears Bunzl intends to close the Swiss plant.

Since the change of hands, the parent company has moved some machinery to Britain.

Filtrona employs nearly 5,000 people worldwide, including around 150 in Crissier.

Filters have been made on the Crissier site for more than 30 years, although the oldest part of the building was built in the late 19th century as a chocolate factory.

swissinfo with agencies

Key facts

The British-based Bunzl group purchased the Crissier factory in October 2003 from the company, Baumgartner Paper.
About 150 people are employed at the factory.
The factory produces cigarette filters.