France's EDF to cut 4000 jobs

French electricity firm EDF plans to shed at least 4,000 jobs, or nearly six percent of its staff, over the next three years without forced layoffs, union sources said Friday.

The reduction is double the amount state-controlled EDF has previously announced, and comes as joblessness is a major political headache for France's Socialist government with unemployment near a 18-year high of 10.2 percent.

EDF declined to comment when contacted.

One union official at the company said the 4,000 to 5,000 posts would be cut, while another said 4,100 would go.

The issue was due to be discussed by EDF management and unions at a meeting on Thursday, with most reductions expected to be made by not replacing staff departing or retiring.

Three unions at the company have called for a strike Thursday to protest against the job cuts.

In December the unions at EDF protested strongly against an announcement of 1,500 to 2,000 job cuts.