2024-11-19 07:41:00
«The SNCF company is doing better from an economic point of view»assures François Durovray this Tuesday morning, recalling that «dialogue must precede any strike action».
In two days, there will be a “ultimatum day” launched by the inter-union of railway workers. And if that’s not enough, the CGT, Unsa, Sud-Rail and CFDT Cheminots have also filed an indefinite strike notice from December 11. Among their demands is notably the “establishment of a moratorium” concerning the dismantling of Fret SNCF “in order to guarantee its continuity but also its development over the longer term”.
Because from 1is January, Fret SNCF will be reborn in the form of two separate companies called Hewafret for freight transport and Technis for locomotive maintenance. For François Durovray, Minister Delegate for Transport, it is a question of achieving “a movement of commitment to the future of freight” with a “transformation which will make it possible to retain most of the wagons and the 500 jobs concerned”.
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The SNCF is “doing better from an economic point of view”
“Dialogue must always precede the strike, I am quite doubtful about union movements”the minister said this Tuesday morning on RFI. Concerning the indefinite strike planned from December 11, François Durovray expresses his concern “for the French and for the SNCF”. “The company is doing better from an economic point of view”he assures, repeating that “dialogue must precede any strike action”. “The minister would not understand that the French are blocked” a few days before Christmas, he warned using the third person.
Concerning the proposal to limit strikes during vacations and public holidays, recently put forward by Éric Ciotti, of the Union of Rights, the minister recalls that “two constitutional principles exist in our country”namely “the right to strike and the continuity of public services”.
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How is the government planning to ensure a smooth transition for the freight sector while addressing union demands?
**Interview with François Durovray, Minister Delegate for Transport**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Mr. Durovray. Thank you for joining us today. There seems to be a significant amount of unrest in the railway sector with imminent strikes on the horizon. Could you share your perspective on the current situation?
**François Durovray:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, the situation in the railway sector is indeed critical. I want to emphasize that the SNCF is performing better economically, which is a positive sign. However, I believe it’s essential that we engage in meaningful dialogue to address the concerns of railway workers before any strike actions are taken.
**Interviewer:** There’s talk about an “ultimatum day” from the inter-union of railway workers. What are the main issues fueling this potential strike?
**François Durovray:** The unions, including CGT, Unsa, Sud-Rail, and CFDT Cheminots, are particularly concerned about the planned restructuring of Fret SNCF, which will happen on January 1. They are demanding a moratorium on the dismantling process to ensure both the continuity and development of freight services. The establishment of two new companies for freight transport and locomotive maintenance is viewed with skepticism by many in the workforce.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on what changes the freight sector will undergo and why they are necessary?
**François Durovray:** Starting January 1, Fret SNCF will split into Hewafret, which will focus on freight transport, and Technis, which will handle locomotive maintenance. This transformation aims to modernize our operations and make them more efficient, which I believe is crucial for the sustainability of rail freight in France. Retaining the majority of the railway wagons and maintaining a skilled workforce is a priority.
**Interviewer:** What are you doing to prevent the strikes and ensure a smooth transition for both workers and services?
**François Durovray:** We are actively working to engage the unions in discussions to address their concerns and ensure that their voices are heard. It’s critical that we find common ground and commitment towards the future of freight services. Our goal is to navigate this transformation in a way that minimizes disruption and supports our railway workers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Durovray, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**François Durovray:** Thank you for having me, and I hope for a constructive dialogue moving forward.
