Airbus on Tuesday announced a restructuring proposal that would cut more than 1,100 jobs in its operations across Europe.
The Associated Press reports that the French aerospace giant presented its plan to the company's works council in Toulouse and now faces months of negotiations with unions representing its employees.
The company hopes to make the cuts without layoffs — instead relying on voluntary departures, early retirements and relocations — but could hand out pink slips if necessary. Union officials responded that workers would not accept layoffs and that strikes are a possibility.
A spokesman told the AP that 640 of the jobs will be cut in France, with another 429 in Germany, 54 in Britain and 39 in Spain.
Airbus officials said that consolidation would put in the company in a better competitive position with respect to chief rival Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers.
Chicago-based Boeing recently announced its own restructuring, including 500 layoffs and the closure of two plants in coming years. Both aerospace companies also remain locked in a long-running spat over government subsidies.
