“Are we capable of blowing up the factory?” asked CGT union
official Guy Eyermann during a meeting of about a hundred workers who have been occupying the factory in Chatellerault for several weeks. “Yes, we are capable.”

They insisted the string of gas canisters they have strung together are full – despite claims from officials that they are bluffing with depressurised gas bottles – and will be used to blow up the plant if necessary. “Let them come and see,” said Eyermann. “These are serious threats.” It is said that the 366 workers said on Sunday they would carry out their threat unless carmakers Renault and PSA-Peugeot – who accounted for 90 per cent of business – pay them 30,000 euro each when they lose their jobs.