Paris  - After being taken in symbolic captivity, Luc Rousselet, head of French pharmaceutical manufacturer 3M, was released Wednesday by a group of the company's workers.

Rousselet was taken "hostage" Tuesday by employees in reaction to the planned layoff of 110 of the company's 235 workers.

According to the labour union Force Ouvriere, 3M has declared itself ready to make concessions. The workers are demanding payment for strike days and redundancy payments for laidoff workers of 2 to 3 years of salary. (dpa)