A satisfactory redundancy package has finally been offered to the factory workers of Sofamo Biotherm.

L'Oreal announced last November that their Monaco based factory would close, in spite of it being one of the company's most productive. Employees were stunned by the sudden announcement, and even more shocked by the lack of consideration that management showed for their situation. Taking matters into their own hands, they staged a strike, followed by a demonstration at the head offices of L'Oreal in Paris. This last, desperate measure forced the company to start negotiations with the workers' lawyer.

Much to everyone's relief, an acceptable agreement has now been reached with workers of the doomed factory. L'Oreal, the Monegasque Government and the National Council have all worked together on the package. There'll be retraining on offer, or assistance to those who want to set up their own business. Redundancy payments will be made according to length of service, as well as inducement fees for local enterprises to employ ex-Biotherm workers. On a more personal basis, specific compensation is being offered depending on individual workers' age and family situation.

Losing your job is a bitter pill to swallow, but at least now the workforce of Monaco's Sofamo Biotherm have something sweet to help it go down.