Eurocopter Signs Worker Agreement

Late in May, Eurocopter signed a new agreement with four of five unions represented at the company in France. The main goal of the work time agreement is to adapt to higher production rates, while simultaneously making provisions for possible ramp-downs. Due to different arrangements in the previous agreement, there are only four-and-a-half hours per day when all production employees are working on the line. Under the new agreement, this will increase to six hours, which the lean manufacturing process requires, according to a Eurocopter spokesman. While the company formerly employed a four-day work week, it will now often include Fridays as well. A so-called “time savings” plan included in the agreement, would allow employees to be paid in case Eurocopter has to temporarily reduce the work schedule. The new agreement will go into effect on September 1 and will cover about 5,000 employees.