See How an Air France Executive Was Almost Lynched by Protesting Workers (Photos)

 

Protesting workers yesterday, almost lynched an Air France-KLM’s human resources manager,  Xavier Broseta as they stripped him of his shirt in a protest over the ailing airline’s plan to cut 2,900 jobs.

 

It was learnt that the protest took place as Air France bosses were unveiling a revamped restructuring plan after pilots rejected an earlier proposal to work longer hours as hundreds of workers stormed the airline’s headquarters at Charles de Gaulle airport outside Paris, forcing the meeting to be hastily abandoned.

 

 

According to a delegate, the human resources manager's shirt was ripped off as he clambered over a wire fence to safety, as he was helped by security guards. Seven people were hurt, including a security guard who was knocked unconscious and was being treated in hospital, Air France said.

 

Another executive, Pierre Plissonnier, who is responsible for the long-haul flight division, had his shirt and jacket torn in the scrum as CEO, Frederic Gagey also made a hasty exit, and the board said the meeting would not resume on Monday.

 

 

The management condemned the physical violence and said it would file complaints with the police.

 

The airline which employs 52,000 people, is struggling to compete in the face of fierce competition from global rivals. It had tried to convince pilots, who earn up to 250,000 euros ($280,000) a year, to fly 100 more hours a year for the same salary, but talks broke down last week with pilots saying the plan amounted to an effective pay cut.

 

 

In a statement Monday evening they called on the Socialist government to arbitrate a deal that would 'guarantee a future for the company.'

 

Three unions called a nationwide strike to coincide with Monday’s meeting. It was not clear how many staff were taking part, but the airline said flights would be unaffected beyond some check-in delays.