:20:00
Yes, they raised the issue of bonuses.
:20:04
Do you think such a large problem
can be solved
:20:07
by attacking a foreman,
like they did this morning?
:20:12
That worker was part of our union,
:20:15
so we can see
how these troublemakers operate.
:20:22
The problem of the food industry
is very complex.
:20:26
The food industry is being
thoroughly reorganized
:20:32
and is becoming concentrated.
:20:34
In 1968 and 1969, there were
173 mergers and acquisitions.
:20:40
Five giants control
25%/% of the market,
:20:43
while 567 companies have only 6%/% .
:20:49
Management's objective is simple:
:20:52
To set up one or two giants in each sector
with a turnover of one billion francs.
:21:01
They're looking beyond
the French market.
:21:05
They want to supply
the 190 million consumers
:21:09
in the six countries
of the Common Market.
:21:13
These mergers are sponsored
by the banks, of course.
:21:18
The Suez Company
is in cheese and yogurt,
:21:21
and Rothschild is investing
in mustard and gingerbread.
:21:26
Any industry where profits
can be made is fair game.
:21:30
And there are profits to be made,
believe me.
:21:33
In 10 years, productivity
has risen by 55%/%,
:21:36
production by 60%/%,
:21:38
and corporate profits
by 25-30%/% every year.
:21:42
Sixty-six of the top 500 French
companies are food-related.
:21:49
But our salaries haven't kept up
with increasing production,
:21:53
and even less with corporate profits.
:21:56
Food industry salaries,
despite the gains of May '68,