Unions at French drugs company Sanofi-Aventis SA (SNY) have called on workers at the company's French research and development sites to go on strike Tuesday to protest job cuts, they said in a joint press release Monday.

Sanofi Chief Executive Christopher Viehbacher earlier this year announced restructuring of the company's R&D activities, including shutting some sites, regrouping others and voluntary departures.

Unions said Monday their call for a strike coincides with a works council meeting with company executives early Tuesday.

Company Web site: www.sanofi-aventis.com

-By Mimosa Spencer, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40 17 1773; mimosa.spencer@dowjones.com