London (CNN Business) French telecom company Orange and its former chief executive have gone on trial in Paris, accused of pursuing a strategy to destabilize employees that resulted in a wave of suicides a decade ago.

The trial of the company and former CEO Didier Lombard, began Monday in Paris. Five other former executives, and one who still works for the company, are also being tried in the same case.

Some of the executives are accused of "psychological harassment," while others face charges of "complicity," according to a spokesperson for the prosecutors.

Prosecutors allege there was a "corporate strategy" to create an "anxiety-inducing work environment" that destabilized employees and undermined their dignity, according to the spokesperson.

The labor union that represents Orange workers said that 19 workers committed suicide between 2007 and 2010. Another 12 employees attempted suicide during the time period.

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