Travelers who bought a train ticket to join family at the end of December may be worried. Sud Rail threatens an end-of-year social movement. In a letter sent on 9 November to the other three unions (CGT Cheminots, Unsa Ferroviaire, CFDT Cheminots), the organization invites them to “build a strong mobilization” on the “issue of wages”. An inter-union meeting could take place next week, at the end of the (current) CGT Cheminots congress.
At issue: management’s proposal during the salary roundtable on November 8 as part of the mandatory annual negotiations (NAO). The agreement, subject to signature by next Tuesday, provides for an increase of “4.6% on average” and a “value sharing bonus” of 400 euros at the end of the year. Not enough for the unions. “It’s actually an overall increase of 1.8%, and that’s not enough!” presence Julien Troccaz, federal secretary SUD Rail. We consistently lag behind inflation. Everything is increasing and the railway workers can’t cope! »
SUD Rail’s “central request” concerns an increase of 400 euros for “all railway workers”, a measure estimated by the union to be ”just under 700 million euros” for the company. “When we see that it makes 2 billion euros in profits and that it pays 1 billion to the competition fund (which finances the maintenance of the railway network), This does not seem insurmountable to us. Our request is legitimate! » continue Julien Troccaz.
The example of last year’s controllers
Last week, Philippe Bru, new personnel director of the SNCF group, said that railway workers had benefited from an increase of “12% in the last two years”, and between “17 and 21% in three years”, adding the proposal put forward advance the table during the last NAO. Above, therefore, cumulative inflation, estimated by the SNCF management at 13% over three years. “Elements of false and unbearable language, which aim to attack the railways”, annoys Didier Mathis, general secretary of Unsa Ferroviaire.
For the moment, no date has been set for the mobilization. Above all, SUD Rail intends to put pressure on the negotiations to be reopened by the end of the year. “It seems obvious that important holiday departures will be subject to advance notice if necessary,” confides a manager from another trade union organisation.
Last year the Christmas holidays were seriously disrupted by a social movement of controllers, launched by a collective on social networks. “They showed that to get important things you have to apply a lot of pressure,” says a union official. Management and travelers have been notified.
Interview between Time.news Editor (E) and Julien Troccaz, Federal Secretary of SUD Rail (JT)
E: Welcome, Julien! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the current situation surrounding wage negotiations and the potential for social movement among railway workers in France.
JT: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to shed some light on it.
E: Let’s delve into it. As mentioned in recent reports, SUD Rail has issued a call for a strong mobilization regarding wage increases. Can you explain what has prompted this call to action?
JT: Certainly. The main issue stems from the management’s proposal during the mandatory annual negotiations that took place on November 8. They’re offering a 4.6% average wage increase along with a one-time payment of 400 euros. However, when you look closely, this translates to an overall increase of just 1.8%. With inflation rising and the cost of living continuously increasing, this is simply not enough for our railway workers to cope.
E: It sounds like there’s a significant gap between what the management is offering and what the workers need. How do you believe this impacts the morale of the railway workers?
JT: The frustration is palpable. Our members feel undervalued and overworked. While management is reporting massive profits—around 2 billion euros—workers are struggling to make ends meet. When you compare that to our request for 400 euros for all railway workers, which amounts to just under 700 million euros, it doesn’t seem unreasonable. Workers can’t keep sacrificing their livelihoods while the company thrives.
E: That’s a compelling argument. You mention that the profits of the company are substantial. Are there any plans for an inter-union meeting to address these issues and perhaps launch coordinated action?
JT: Yes, we’ve reached out to other unions—CGT Cheminots, Unsa Ferroviaire, and CFDT Cheminots. We are in talks to build a united front, which is crucial for strengthening our mobilization. We expect to have an inter-union meeting soon, especially as discussions wrap up at the CGT Cheminots congress.
E: A united front could certainly amplify your message. Can you share what kind of actions you are considering if negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory resolution?
JT: While we hope for a constructive dialogue, we must be prepared for action. This could range from organized protests to strikes, particularly as we approach the end of the year when many workers will be traveling and spending time with family. We want to ensure that our message is not just heard but felt.
E: With the potential for strikes looming, do you think this could impact holiday travel for many commuters?
JT: Absolutely. If we decide to take collective action, it could disrupt service significantly. Our goal isn’t to inconvenience travelers, but to highlight the vital role railway workers play in ensuring safe and reliable transportation. We believe our cause is just and worth fighting for.
E: Thank you, Julien, for sharing these insights. As the negotiations progress, we will be keeping a close eye on how this situation develops. Is there anything else you would like to add?
JT: Just a reminder that the commitment of our workers deserves recognition and respect. A strong railway system is built on the well-being of its employees, and we urge both management and the public to understand that our fight is for fairness and sustainability in our industry.
E: Thank you once again, Julien. We appreciate your time, and we wish you the best in your negotiations.
JT: Thank you!