Air France unions prepare frosty welcome for CE pick Smith

Air France-KLM Group directors haven’t even voted on hiring Ben Smith as the company’s CE and already its French unions are preparing a lively welcome for the Canadian executive. Recruiting a foreign boss is “inconceivable,” 9 unions said Thursday before a board meeting at which Smith probably will be chosen as CE. Labour groups will meet Aug 27 to decide next steps in a long-running dispute over pay that’s led to 15 days of strikes and lost flights this year. Smith, the No. 2 executive at Air Canada, will have to pursue cost cuts and operational improvements in a highly competitive industry while trying to rein in disgruntled unions, all with the French state looking over his shoulder. The poisonous atmosphere should come as no surprise. <br/>