News

A France Telecom worker in Brittany became the 25th person employed by the company to take their own life since January 2008.



The man, who worked at a research and development centre, committed suicide at his home last week.



Both unions and company executives have commented on the impact of business restructuring at France Telecom and the increase in stress at the workplace. The company has laid off around 22,000 people between 2006 and 2008. Many of the workers who have committed suicide in the last 18 months have done so in the workplace or have referred to workplace issues in notes left for friends and family.



The French government, which owns 27% of the company, has put pressure on France Telecom to take measures to prevent further tragedies. Management has established a telephone counselling service and has put on hold some further restructuring plans.



Unions are calling for protest action tomorrow, 20 October, to demand better working conditions.