Economy, Layoffs | featured news

French workers at a factory south of Paris free their boss after holding him hostage in a dispute over lay-offs.

Striking French workers of an American manufacturing company looked likely to hold their boss hostage for a second night on Wednesday after locking him in for more than 24 hours, as nationwide anger mounted over layoffs.

The practice gives workers some security but, over time, employee morale still suffers.

The downturn has sent a wave of concern through the community of immigrant workers who hold the visa, which companies can use to hire skilled noncitizens. Though there is no official tally of visa holders who have been laid off, 'It's happening every day,' said one immigration lawyer.