In the midst of a health crisis, public transport in Ile de France is likely to be disrupted Thursday, November 19.
In question, a call to strike signed by the unions Unsa, CGT, Sud SAT and Solidaires, to demonstrate against the privatization of bus networks in Ile de France.
Read also: Privatization of highways: a senatorial report denounces the shortfall for the state
According to them, this privatization - scheduled for the end of 2024 - would lead to a drop in the "
quality of service and working conditions of the machinists-receivers because the cost will be the key element of future contracts with future operators. of transport
”, advances Marc Brillaud secretary general of Sud-RATP, questioned by the
Figaro
.
“
The operation of buses through private subsidiaries would place employees under the regime of the National Collective Agreement for urban public transport networks.
Concretely, our working conditions would be revised downwards even though the Ile de France is one of the most difficult regions for drivers (urban density, incivility, etc.).
We reject this social dumping
», Replies Thierry Babec, secretary general of the UNSA.
The unions see this project as a "
provocation
" even though the RATP is, "
like all public services
", on the "
front line
" in the health crisis.
“
During a period like the one we are going through now, which private carrier will be able to continue to operate its bus lines and pay its staff without selling tickets?
», Points out Marc Brillaud.
Discussions are underway between the unions and the government.
"
Our objective is to create a balance of power to obtain correct working conditions
", specifies Thierry Babec.
If this strike concerns the privatization of buses, all the employees of my RATP are called upon to join the strike movement.
“
Once the implementing decree has been passed for bus drivers, it will set a precedent for other sectors which will be privatized.
This will therefore concern all employees,
”adds the Secretary General.
As a reminder, the privatization of RATP lines should take place in 2039 but the president of the region, Valérie Pécresse, said she was ready to "
advance the process by 10 years".
Read also: The RATP still relies on the clean bus despite the pandemic
The strike movement could however be postponed.
“
We wonder about the relevance of maintaining our approach in this health context.
The supply of travelers is already greatly reduced,
”says UNSA.
A discussion on a possible postponement of the date of the strike is scheduled for Wednesday.
