French Government Backs Air France Over Savings Showdown
- 9 years ago
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said he'll stand by Air France in its bid to slash costs as the country's finance minister urged workers to accept plans to boost productivity as an alternative to job cuts.
Valls told RTL radio Wednesday he's convinced talks between management and unions can resume, even after relations reached a new low following clashes at a works council meeting that saw two executives escape half-naked from protesters.
"Today's challenge is Air France's survival, and the state as shareholder fully plays its part by supporting management and the need for true reforms," Valls said, adding that a deal "will require efforts" from the carrier's pilots, who failed to back the productivity plan before a deadline last week.
Valls told RTL radio Wednesday he's convinced talks between management and unions can resume, even after relations reached a new low following clashes at a works council meeting that saw two executives escape half-naked from protesters.
"Today's challenge is Air France's survival, and the state as shareholder fully plays its part by supporting management and the need for true reforms," Valls said, adding that a deal "will require efforts" from the carrier's pilots, who failed to back the productivity plan before a deadline last week.