Tunisia's state airline to cut 1,000 jobs - minister

Tunisair plans to lay off 1,000 employees or more than 12% of its full-time workforce, as part of reform plans, the Transport minister said Monday. Transport minister Anis Guedira said the Tunisair 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". A source said the airline will pay about US$50m in compensation to 1,000 employees. The airline currently has around 8,200 full-time workers. As part of broader reforms, Tunisia's govt is seeking to curb the large losses incurred by major state-owned companies. <br/>