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Air France executives run for their lives from violent protest

The president of France is condemning the violent reaction to proposed airline job cuts
Protesters attack Air France execs amid layoff plans 02:15

France's president said Tuesday that the violent scenes at Air France's headquarters in Paris Monday were unacceptable and damage the country's image.

Hundreds of Air France employees--pilots and flight attendants, many still in uniform-- stormed the company's headquarters Monday, where the airline's top officials held a board meeting, reports CBS News correspondent Jonathon Vigliotti.

Security was no match--two top Air France executives--HR Vice President Xavier Brosetta and Flights Deputy Pierre Plissonnier--were forced to literally run for their lives.

But their suit, tie and loafers were not made for a quick getaway and they were quickly surrounded, their business attire ripped to shreds.

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Pierre Plissonnier, nearly shirtless, is helped by security and police officers to climb over a fence. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD, Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images

Broseta and Plissonnier narrowly escaped after jumping over a fence.

The angry staff had gathered to protest job cuts -- nearly 3,000 -- after the company failed to reach a deal with unions last week.

A union representative denounced the violence, saying they were isolated acts but added that employees are under a lot of stress -- tension that likely won't ease as job cuts are still on the table.

Xavier Brosetta, whose shirt was completely ripped off in the chaos, said he was disappointed by the violence, but does not blame staff or unions.

But Air France isn't so understanding and has filed a criminal complaint.

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