News

France Telecom signed an agreement with the four trade unions representing about 68% of its workers to establish a system for part-time employment of older workers.



Part of a series of efforts by the company to address the question of staff suicides in France, this plan seeks to address the issues arising out of restructuring of the business and changing management styles and systems. Unions say that these changes have contributed to an atmosphere of fear, creating stress and pressure for workers.



The part-time work plan will allow staff who are three years or less away from retirement to work part-time, on a pro-rated salary. About 14,000 workers will be eligible for the plan.



France Telecom CEO, Didier Lombard says that he is working on a plan to give the company a "new beginning" after this controversy by focusing on projects such as the introduction of high-speed broadband throughout France.