WHEN EMPLOYEES OF A STEEL FACTORY IN LOUVIERE, BELGIUM, WENT ON STRIKE LAST WEEK THEY DECIDED TO LOOK THEMSELVES IN THE PLANT. THIS MORNING (SUNDAY) THEY WERE STILL THERE AND MASS WAS CELEBRATED ON THE FACTORY FLOOR.

DOZENS OF MEN WERE GIVEN NOTICE WHEN FACTORY CONTROLLERS DECIDED THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH WORK FOR THEM. THE WORKERS RETALIATED BY STRIKING IMMEDIATELY AND STAGING A MASS "SHUT-IN" UNTIL DEMANDS COULD BE NEGOTIATED.

EVENTUALLY THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT AGREED TO POSTPONE CLOSURE OF THE PLANT -- 600 NEW RAILWAY WAGONS WERE TO BE BUILT IN THE FACTORY.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROMISED TO INCREASE THE ANNUAL OUTPUT OF RAILWAY CARRIAGES FROM 900 TOD 1500, THUS ENSURING A STEADY FLOW OF WORK FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.

BUT THE WORKERS DECIDED TO CARRY THE STRIKE ON, AND CONTINUED TO OCCUPY THE PLANT.

THIS MORNING A PRIEST VISITED THE FACTORY AND CELEBRATED MASS WITH THE WORKERS. THEIR WIVES AND CHILDREN WERE ALLOWED INSIDE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE.