French unions call Airbus strike

Unions at Airbus factories across France have called for a half-day strike in protest at the planemaker's controversial restructuring plans. Read original article.

The CGT and Force Ouvriere unions called for staff to walk out from 0700 GMT to 1100 GMT on Tuesday.

The action is timed to take place ahead of key meeting of the pan-European company's works council.

Airbus announced in February plans to cut 10,000 jobs across Europe, in a bid to revive the firm's fortunes.

I think everyone would agree that Airbus needs to do something effective to put it back on the right track ASAP. Whilst I sympathise with the employees, strike action will most likely exacerbate the productivity problems which in turn will lead to more job losses. It could be time to face up to an uncomfortable reality. Meanwhile France demonstrates, once again, why it is better to create jobs in its neighbouring european countries.

See Waiting for Midnight...France helps Spains Economy more than its own.

Pressure

Under the Power8 restructuring plan, Airbus hopes to save 5bn euros (£3.4bn; $6.6bn) by 2010.

The planemaker, which is owned by Franco-German defence giant EADS, has been struggling in the wake of production delays to its flagship A380 super jumbo project.

"We are treating (the works council) with caution and we intend to keep up the pressure," Force Ouvriere's Jean-Francois Knepper said.

"The management will present the financial situation of Airbus and EADS as well as the ramping up of Power8," he said.

France will lose 4,300 jobs as its share of the planned shake-up - with a chain of suppliers also threatened.

The restructuring at Airbus will also see Germany lose 3,700 jobs, the UK 1,600 jobs and Spain 400 jobs.

Workers in France, Germany and Britain have already protested against the company's job cut plans.