It seems they're more surprised at the amount of compensation than about losing their jobs.

We they are pretty damn stupid than considering Sony's state. Sony should just show them last quarter's financial statement.

I don't know the specifics of the compensation so I'll refrain from commenting...

As expected of the French... Vive la Révolution! :D

That is true, but generally this would make one thing that the compensation should be enough but not enough to cause a company serious harm. A company closes a plant like the one they are closing for one of two reasons.

1. new technology makes whats produced unneeded.

2. the company who owns the prdiction factility is in financial decline.

Sadly for this, its a combo of both.

The guy is no longer being held hostage:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/4986546/French-Sony-workers-held-company-chief-executive-hostage-overnight.html

There is no quota for this... that's like putting quota on swear word in the average Italian vocabulary or the limit of 'tea time' to the English. Where did you think Nike stole their slogan from? Révolution: Just do it!

There's a few "SONY's dead" jokes in hear somewhere...

VHS tapes in 2009?
Someone call Captain Blu-Ray!

they should,ve just called master cheif :)
microsoft to the rescue :p
thats good they are safe