Tunisair, Tunisia’s state-owned carrier, plans to lay off 1,000 employees or more than 12 percent of its full-time workforce, as part of reform plans.
Tunisia’s government is seeking to curb the large losses incurred by major state-owned companies, which last year amounted to about $1.5 billion. Transport Minister Anis Guedira told Reuters the Tunsiar reforms were planned months ago as part of a programme at the airline made in agreement with major unions to reduce costs and improve competitiveness.
“We will soon lay off 400 employees who have chosen to leave voluntarily and they will receive compensation,” Guedira said. “Job cuts will reach 1,000 in Tunisair in total”.
The airline will pay about $50 million in compensation to 1,000 employees. The airline currently has around 8,200 full-time workers, Reuters reports.
