SNCF Braces for Holiday Weekend Amidst Strike Action
As the French eagerly anticipate the extended holiday weekend around May 8th, all eyes are fixed on the national rail operator, SNCF. A strike initiated by the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions has cast a shadow over travel plans, raising concerns about potential disruptions for those intending to travel.
Jean-Pierre Farandou, the President of the SNCF group, addressed the situation on France Inter radio this Tuesday morning, stating that the company is making every effort to minimize the impact on passengers. "We are doing everything to offer trains to our customers," he affirmed, expressing a degree of confidence that "close to 90% of trains will be running."
While acknowledging the concerns, Farandou reassured the public that the initial departures should proceed smoothly. Regarding the return journeys, he expressed his belief that "we will be able to bring everyone back," adding that "some customers will have their train, and others may have to postpone their journey by an hour or two." He cautioned that minor delays could occur due to the reduced operational capacity.
Farandou lamented the detrimental impact of the strike on the SNCF’s reputation, highlighting the competitive advantage gained by rival transportation providers. "Our competitors are laughing when the railway workers go on strike," he remarked, specifically mentioning Trenitalia and BlaBlaCar, companies that stand to benefit from any service disruptions.
The SNCF President conveyed his frustration with the strike, labeling it "incomprehensible." He criticized the unions’ demands as being primarily focused on "more money," arguing that significant progress has already been made in improving employee compensation. He pointed to a 20% increase in salaries over the past four years, exceeding the inflation rate of 14.5% during the same period.
Furthermore, Farandou emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its workforce, noting an 11% increase in the number of controllers employed by the SNCF. This investment in personnel, he argued, demonstrates the company’s dedication to providing a better service and alleviating workload pressures on existing employees.
In addition to salary increases and workforce expansion, Farandou highlighted the successful negotiation and implementation of eight social agreements over the past year. These agreements cover a range of issues, including provisions related to the "arduousness of the end of career," demonstrating the SNCF’s commitment to addressing employee concerns and improving working conditions. "We have done the job, the sharing of value is there," Farandou declared.
While acknowledging the unions’ concerns regarding administrative delays within the company, Farandou assured the public that steps have already been taken to streamline processes and improve responsiveness. He stated that decisions have been made regarding employee scheduling, ensuring that "rest periods will be positioned for six months" without the possibility of changes. Moreover, he committed to addressing leave requests promptly, guaranteeing that "requests for leave will be answered within seven days."
Farandou reiterated the company’s commitment to social dialogue, but criticized "categorical strikes," advocating for a more inclusive approach. "I am the boss of 150,000 railway workers, I don’t really like categorical demands. You have to give time to time," he stated, emphasizing the need for patience and compromise in resolving disagreements.
When questioned about the proposed law put forward several months ago by the current Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, which suggests a quota of 30 days per year during which strikes would be prohibited, the SNCF President clarified that this matter falls "within the realm of politics." He asserted that his primary focus remains on fostering social dialogue to prevent strikes from occurring in the first place. "My job is social dialogue to prevent strikes from happening. I am for the right to strike, there is no question of calling it into question," Farandou concluded, reaffirming his support for the fundamental right to strike while underscoring the importance of finding alternative solutions through constructive negotiations.
The upcoming holiday weekend will be a crucial test for the SNCF. The ability of the company to maintain a high level of service despite the ongoing strike will significantly impact public perception and confidence. The success or failure of the SNCF in navigating this challenging period will likely influence future labor relations and the broader debate surrounding the right to strike in essential public services.
Ultimately, the outcome of this situation will depend on the willingness of both the SNCF management and the striking unions to engage in meaningful dialogue and find common ground. The public, eager to enjoy their holiday weekend, can only hope that a resolution is reached swiftly, minimizing disruption and ensuring a smooth travel experience for all.
