Employees at the only factory in France making the euro currency went on strike for a second day today.
The strike at the factory near Bordeaux brought to a halt to production of the eight euro coins, union officials said.
Workers at the factory, which employs 390 people, are concerned about their future after initial production of the currency is ended in 2003.
The factory, which has been producing the coins since 1997, has an annual production capacity of three billion coins a year. But the need for new euro coins will decrease after 2003, said Mr Michel Mano, secretary for the CGT trade union.
"We will be operating at 20 per cent of our capacity," Mr Mano said. "What future will there be for employment? We fear the site will be closed."
Euro notes and coins will begin circulating from January 1st, replacing national currencies in the 12-member euro zone.
AP