Daily Reports
CFDT-Cheminots Signs Agreement for Olympic Bonuses, Awaiting Majority Approval
The French railway union CFDT-Cheminots has agreed to the proposed bonus package by SNCF management for railway workers during the upcoming Olympic Games. This announcement came on Thursday, only three days after a similar decision by Unsa-Ferroviaire. However, this collective approval falls short of achieving a union majority to validate the agreement. The representative trade union organizations have a deadline until next Tuesday to finalize their decision on this proposal.
Proposed Bonus Package for SNCF Railway Workers
On May 22, SNCF proposed a bonus package offering a 95 euros gross daily bonus to railway workers who will be on duty during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bonus is capped at a maximum of 1,900 euros and is anticipated to benefit 50,000 employees across the country, encompassing all job categories. According to CFDT-Cheminots, the agreement delivers substantial guarantees and progressions for the concerned agents. Moreover, the agreement is comprehensive, covering all regions where Olympic events will take place. Additionally, it addresses employment continuity post-event.
Union Reactions and The Call for Broader Inclusion
Unsa-Ferroviaire also expressed intent to leverage this agreement to secure financial benefits for all railway workers during the annual salary negotiations at year-end, in recognition of their ongoing commitment and their role during this significant global event. However, the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions, who hold the majority, have demanded that the bonus extend to all 145,000 SNCF railway workers. They argue that the entire country will experience an influx of tourists, increasing the workload for railway workers nationwide, not just in Île-de-France and other Olympic sites.
The recent 'preventive' strike by railway workers in Île-de-France, which led to substantial traffic disruptions, underscores the urgency of these negotiations. This strike was met with criticism from the right and the government, notably Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete, who condemned the action as damaging to the company’s and employees' reputations.
- The response of the majority unions, CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail, is still pending as they await consultations with their members and federal authorities. Their decision is expected on the final day of the signing period.
- In a press release, CFDT-Cheminots praised the agreement for its national impact and the provision for job continuation post-Olympics, emphasizing its potential benefits for widespread regions and diverse job roles.
- This ongoing negotiation over railway worker bonuses highlights the critical role of the transport sector in managing Olympic logistics and the broader implications for labor conditions within national events.
