Workers protest as Airbus plans 10,000 job cut

Source: CCTV.com | 03-01-2007 13:53

Airbus workers gather in front of the Saint-Nazaire factory, western France. European aircraft maker Airbus announced 10,000 job cuts and a timetable for slashing its factory network Wednesday, in a bid to solve the crisis caused by problems with its A380 superjumbo jet. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Airbus has been struggling to compete with rival plane-making company, Boeing. Its drastic restructuring plans involve cutting thousands of jobs, selling off manufacturing sites, and outsourcing more work to external suppliers.

Strikes and protests greeted the European plane-maker's long-awaited announcement.

Workers at an Airbus factory in northern France blocked production before, and after the plan was announced.

Meanwhile, the European Commission President says he hopes for fair treatment for the workers.

Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission President, said, "I personally believe that not always in the past there were management criteria the first in consideration. Sometimes there was not kind of politicization and if this company is to be a real success, they need to have clear business decisions."

The Airbus shake-up resembles similar moves at Boeing from late 2001. But analysts say European labor laws could make it harder for Airbus to follow in Boeing's footsteps.

The unveiling of the restructuring plan was originally scheduled for last week. But the Airbus President postponed the announcement... to give the company more time to propose changes after major shareholders failed to agree on key points.

Editor:Du Xiaodan