AIRLINES : Fokker Will Slash 1,000 Jobs

The Dutch aircraft builder Fokker announced today it is slashing 1,000 jobs, or about 10% of its work force, and warned of prolonged uncertainty triggered partly by the Persian Gulf War.

Most of the jobs will be lost by the end of this year at Fokker’s Amsterdam headquarters and the Schiphol Airport plant, where the company builds its F-50 turboprop aircraft and F-100 jetliner, according to a company statement.

However, Fokker spokesman Leo Steijn said Fokker’s British and other foreign subcontractors also will be expected to do their share in a $122-million economy drive.

First to go will be Fokker’s short-term contract workers, the statement said, adding that forced dismissals among permanent employees will be held to those over 56 years old.