The strike called by all 14 unions at Air France in November 1992 was in protest against the nationalised company's strategic plan entailing three thousand job losses by the end of 1993, with more to follow. This article discusses how a hegemonic relationship of state, labour and capital is being eroded as a result of globalised competition. However, the `new despotism' that is replacing it is still relatively benevolent. This is because the previous regime and production apparatus at Air France remains deeply entrenched.
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