Defense Express reported the information.French automotive giant Renault is facing internal resistance from workers as the company prepares to begin drone production for Ukraine, with labor unions questioning whether employees can refuse to participate in weapons manufacturing. The controversy has exposed potential Russian influence within France's labor movement and highlighted tensions in a workforce that includes both Ukrainian and Russian employees.According to reports from French media outlet BFMTV, citing company managers and union representatives, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) has raised concerns about workers being forced to produce military equipment. The union argues that employees "didn't sign up to make weapons," creating a significant obstacle for the defense contract.The situation is complicated by Renault's diverse workforce, which includes many foreign nationals, resulting in Ukrainians and Russians working side by side. Company officials worry that fulfilling defense orders for Ukraine could create unwanted conflicts among employees from opposing sides of the war.While Renault has previously manufactured military products, union representatives emphasize this occurred only when France itself was at war. However, this argument overlooks the company's recent history through Renault Trucks Defense, which supplied chassis for Caesar self-propelled artillery systems before the division was sold to ARQUUS.To address the immediate concerns, Renault is considering launching drone production at its facility in Slovenia, thereby avoiding the use of French personnel. However, industry observers doubt this compromise will satisfy union opposition.The CGT's resistance appears linked to broader political influences, as the organization maintains close ties with major French pro-Russian leftist parties, particularly La France Insoumise (LFI), founded by presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon. This connection suggests the opposition may be part of a coordinated campaign influenced by Russian interests rather than genuine worker concerns.This isn't the first time French unions have engaged in such tactics. In 1939, labor organizations actively sabotaged defense production due to the Soviet Union's cooperation with Nazi Germany at the time.Despite the union resistance and Renault's cautious public statements, the company is likely to proceed with military production since the French state is its largest shareholder. However, the controversy underscores the dangerous extent of Russian interference in French domestic politics and its ability to manipulate labor movements to undermine Western support for Ukraine.