The European Commission has proposed to support 297 dismissed Airbus workers in France, who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed €3.7 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) will help them find new jobs through advice on starting an own business and start-up grants.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions hit the aeronautic sector hard and the related economic crisis reduced the purchasing power of many air transport customers. Plans to buy new aircrafts were put on hold or cancelled, and many aircrafts were retired prematurely as part of airlines’ restructuring plans.

In France, despite the wide and successful use of short-time work schemes, Airbus had to implement a restructuring plan and many workers lost their jobs. Thanks to the EGF, 297 former Airbus workers will receive targeted active labour market support to help them start their own business and return to work.

The €3.7 million from the EGF will help finance training for business creation and start-up grants of up to €15,000 per participant. Participants will also receive a contribution towards their accommodation, food and transportation costs related to participating in the training. In addition, former workers taking up a new job may be eligible for a top-up of their salaries, if they are lower than in the previous job.  

The total estimated cost of the support measures is €4.4 million, of which the EGF will cover 85% (€3.7 million). Airbus will provide the remaining amount (€0.7 million). The EGF support is part of the overall support package offered by Airbus to the dismissed employees. However, the EGF support goes beyond what Airbus as dismissing company is legally obliged to provide.

The Commission's proposal requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council.