What might the french managers have done differently in this situation especially prior to the point where workers felt they had to make their point by taking them hostage?

The French managers could have prioritized open communication and engagement with the workers to address their concerns before tensions escalated. By actively listening to the employees and involving them in decision-making processes, they might have fostered a more collaborative environment. Additionally, implementing regular feedback mechanisms and being transparent about company challenges could have helped build trust and prevented feelings of desperation among the workers. Ultimately, a proactive approach to employee relations could have mitigated the need for such drastic actions.