 HAMBURG, Germany — Airbus said Tuesday it will cut 1,000 temporary workers and reduce work hours at its German operations, the first steps in a major restructuring triggered by delays in its A380 superjumbo project.
The European aircraft maker said it would not renew contracts with employment agencies supplying about 1,000 of its 7,300 temporary workers in Germany. It also announced a raft of measures for its regular staff in Germany, including cutting work schedules to as little as 28 hours a week for some employees — though without reducing their pay.
| How typically Y'urp-peon: cut the hours but not the pay. That'll save a lot. |
The workers will be expected to make up the hours later, when orders are healthier.
| Uh-huh, you betcha they will. |
The measures will affect all seven Airbus facilities in Germany and are covered by a 2003 agreement with labor representatives, the company said. Airbus didn't say when the measures would take effect or how much they would save as a result. However, the 2003 agreement with German labor unions rules out firing any regular staff in Germany until 2012.
| They'll just work four hours a week at full pay. |
|