Airbus workers fear 8,000 job cuts

As many as 8,000 jobs at Airbus in Germany could be at risk in a restructuring drive, the employee council claimed today.

The company, however, said that no decisions have been taken.

An employee council leaflet said that between 5,000 to 8,000 workers could lose their jobs under the planned Power 8 restructuring plan, which is to be unveiled on February 20.

The company dismissed as speculation reports that facilities may be sold and production moved. Airbus spokeswoman Claudia Mueller said that decisions would be communicated to the employee council as soon as they are made.

The IG Metall industrial union has called for rallies on Friday to protest any potential closures or job cuts at the seven plants in the country.

Airbus employs more than 29,000 full and part-time workers in Germany. Parent company EADS wants to see Airbus cut back costs. The company faces costly fallout from a two-year delay in the delivery of its flagship A380 superjumbo.