Background information

The health crisis having brought 'a sudden and unprecedented halt to air transport', the management of Thales and the CFDT, CFE-CGC, CFTC and CGT trade unions concluded, on 29 January 2021, an agreement to 'deal with this exceptional situation, to anticipate the subjects of adaptation and transformation of the group and to be in a position to deal with the resumption of aeronautical activities'. In addition to the long-term partial activity (APLD) applicable until 31 December 2022, the agreement sets up 'adaptation measures' open primarily to employees with permanent contracts whose activities are directly or indirectly impacted by the crisis. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at supporting the group's activities and developing skills and "know-how".

Content of measure

Support for mobility

Thales is committed to "supporting employment in the regions" by facilitating and accompanying internal mobility within the group. In this respect, a distinction is made according to the distance between the host site and the employee's home. Thus, when the distance between home and the host site is less than 50 kilometers, the agreement provides for the payment of a mobility bonus of approximately €6,000 (increased by 16% if the employee is disabled), provided that the mobility does not involve moving. Aid is available for the purchase of a vehicle or to take a driving test.

If the host site is located more than 50 kilometers from the employee's home, a mobility bonus is provided. The amount varies between €6,000 and €19,000, depending on the employee's situation (single person, couple with or without children, single parent). The costs of the reconnaissance trip are also covered.

Aid is also paid during the adaptation period and when the employee settles permanently (dual residence allowance, moving expenses, €6,000 installation bonus, aid linked to the spouse's employment, etc.). Finally, support measures are provided for in the event of secondment within the group and external mobility.

**Support in accessing retirement++

With a view to 'ensuring a transition to retirement', Thales is setting up a 'specific early retirement scheme'. Employees exempted from the scheme will receive 75% of their gross pay and an allowance for entering the scheme during the entire suspension of their employment contract. Supplements to the retirement allowance are provided for. In order to promote retirement, the agreement provides for assistance in buying back quarters up to a limit of €45,000 and for a maximum of eight quarters, as well as an increase in the retirement allowance equivalent to six months of the reference salary in the case of long careers.

Use of measure

The agreement applies to the 34,000 employees of Thales in France.

Contents

• Bonuses
• Other topics
• Social protection, incl. pension

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Employees in standard employment	Does not apply to businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Trade unions Company / Companies	Employer

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Social partners jointly
• Main level of involvement: Company level

Involvement

The signatories will ensure the follow-up of their agreement in the framework of a committee.

Views and reactions

The agreement has been supported by all trade unions.

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

• 29 January 2021: Accord du 29 janvier 2021 pour soutenir l’emploi, l’activité et préparer l’avenir au sein du groupe Thales Accord du 29 janvier 2021 pour soutenir l’emploi, l’activité et préparer l’avenir au sein du groupe Thales