Workers Fear Loss Of Jobs

An estimated 20,000 EADS employees took to the streets of Germany Thursday to protest a planned restructuring of the European aerospace company in what was called a "clear warning" that the employees will fight the company's reorganization.

Reuters reports that protests were held in some 30 locations that included Airbus and Eurofighter manufacturing facilities in the country. There are about 50,000 workers employed by EADS in Germany, which has about 140,000 workers worldwide.

Most of those involved in the protests are represented by the IG Metall union. Ruediger Luetjen, head of the company's European works council and a union representative, said that the workers "will not accept decisions made to their disadvantage and over their heads."

The protests come in advance of a planned December 9 announcement about the restructuring. The union said it is willing to negotiate with EADS, but would call strikes if they are deemed to be necessary.

An EADS spokesman said that the company understands "the concerns of our workers."

The spokesman said that the restructuring is designed to maintain the aerospace giant's "long-term competitiveness" in the industry.

FMI: www.eads.com