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Friday, 19 April 2024
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European Business News 96-08-30European Business News (EBN) Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The European Business News Server at <http://www.ebn.co.uk/>Page last updated August 30 10:00 CETCONTENTS
[01] French jobless down 20,000 in JulyThe French labour ministry says that the number of jobseekers fell by 20, 000 in July. But the French statistics include part-time workers. When a percentage figure is calculated, part-time workers are not counted and under this method, French unemployment remains unchanged at a record high of 12 1/2%.[02] Clinton accepts nomination, overshadowed by sex scandalPresident Clinton has accepted the nomination of the Democratic Convention in Chicago with a pledge to lead America boldly into the 21st century.But Clinton's bid for a second term in the White House was overshadowed by the announcement that his campaign strategist Dick Morris had resigned over a sex scandal. [03] Bertelsmann seeks injunction against KirchThe German media giant Bertelsmann is expected to seek an injunction against its rival Kirch group today. The move comes in reaction to yesterday's court action by Kirch against the pay TV channel Premiere, in which both groups hold substantial stakes. The court order prohibits Premiere from advertising its forthcoming airing of two American blockbuster films as 'exclusive'. Kirch offers the two films on its own pay- per-view service. In the ongoing row between the two companies, Kirch scored another victory yesterday, when it signed a ten year exclusive agreement with the Walt Disney Company. The deal foresees the launch of a Disney Channel on Kirch's new digital TV service.[04] Nine day rail strike starts in Portugal todayIn Portugal, a nine-day train strike is due to begin today.The strike, which should have begun yesterday, was postponed for 24 hours after railway management moved towards a compromise with the unions. The President of the National Train Drivers Union said that negotiations with the management of the state-owned CP railroad company showed progress but the strike would go ahead unless a final agreement could be reached. The dispute over workers' promotions and benefits dates back to 1994. The strike will affect international as well as national services. [05] Lloyd's names file new appealA group of hard-hit Lloyd's names has filed a new appeal with members of the insurance market's ruling body according to today's Wall Street Journal Europe.The move comes on eve on an expected announcement that Lloyd's controversial £3.2bn rescue package will go ahead. This new appeal claims that investors who until now refused to settle their accounts are to receive better treatment - it's unlikely though that this will alter Lloyd's plans. To date over 90% of Lloyd's names have accepted the rescue deal. [06] Air France meet over productivity and merger plansSenior managers of Air France and its subsidiary Air France Europe are meeting today to discuss the group's new productivity and merger plans. Chairman Christian Blanc is due to unveil a growth package, designed make the carrier more competitive with its European rivals. Details of the planned merger of its international and domestic divisions will also be announced. The company's former three-year productivity plan aimed to boost competitiveness by 30% and included pay freezes and over 6000 job cuts.[07] Japanese industrial production up 4.1% for the monthIndustrial production in Japan rose by 4.1% in July from the month before.The figure is far stronger than expected and represents a marked improvement on June, when industrial production contracted by minus 4.3%. Market watchers say the figures are evidence for the continuation of Japan's sluggish recovery, although Wednesday's Tankan report from the Bank of Japan showed a drop in business confidence. From the European Business News (EBN) Server at http://www.ebn.co.uk/European Business News (EBN) Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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