Why are Air France employees protesting job cuts after state aid?

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Air France Employees Protest Job Cuts Despite State Aid Due to Perceived Inconsistency and Impact on Livelihoods

Air France employees are protesting job cuts despite the airline receiving significant state aid due to a perception that the company is prioritizing workforce reductions over employee welfare, especially given the substantial financial assistance provided by the French government. The airline's revenue has plummeted by 95 per cent, and it lost an estimated €15 million daily during the crisis's peak. This has led to plans for approximately 7,500 job cuts, including 1,020 at its subsidiary HOP!.
Job Reductions Amidst Financial Strain

The airline intends to reduce its workforce by 6,560 positions at the main Air France airline by the end of 2022. A substantial portion of these, over 3,500, are expected to be achieved through natural departures, such as retirements. Simultaneously, HOP!, the regional carrier, faces cuts of 1,020 jobs over the next three years, which constitutes 42 per cent of its staff. This restructuring comes as Air France anticipates that passenger traffic will not return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels until 2024.
Government Aid and Employee Concerns

The French government has provided €7 billion in aid to Air France, including state-backed loans, to ensure its survival. Despite the government's urging to avoid compulsory layoffs, the airline has not ruled out such measures, stating a priority for voluntary departures, early retirement, and staff mobility. This approach has fueled anger among employees, with protestors outside Charles de Gaulle airport expressing dismay that the company is cutting jobs after receiving substantial public funds.
Impact on Workers and Future Plans

The planned redundancies are expected to include voluntary departures and retirement plans for at least half of the affected employees. However, some employees, like ground staff member Annick Blanchemin, voiced concerns that early retirement might not allow them to receive their full pension entitlements. The broader Air France-KLM Group, under CEO Ben Smith, has been engaged in efforts to reduce costs and improve labour relations. A comprehensive reconstruction plan for Air France and the wider group is slated for presentation at the end of July.

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Why are Air France employees protesting job cuts after state aid?

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