This is a first victory for the truck drivers.
At the end of a telephone meeting with the Minister for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, the representative trade unions obtained the opening
"initially, from Saturday, of 250 truck stops by prefectural decrees from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. , for lorry drivers, on presentation of their professional card (FCOS or FIMO) ”
.
Read also: Reconfinement: truck drivers fear a new nightmare
This decision was
“welcomed as a first victory for the working and hygienic conditions of these heroes, who ensure the continuity of the country's economy
,
”
said these organizations in a joint statement.
The latter demanded the immediate reopening of relay restaurants, closed since the start of confinement.
“
Today, on the highways, there are only cellophane sandwiches.
On the national and departmental routes, some relays are open but they offer cold meal trays.
So as winter approaches, our colleagues will have to eat cold, in their vehicles, without access to sanitary facilities and above all, without that family spirit that characterizes the relays.
This is unacceptable
”, denounced to Le
Figaro
Patrick Blaise, secretary general of the CFDT route.
"A good start"
To put pressure on the government, the CGT Transports, the CFTC Transports, FO Transports and the CFDT Route had announced to consider
"an action"
next week if they were not heard.
A project that organizations can now renounce:
"We have been heard and listened to"
, rejoices Patrick Blaise.
The government has in fact acceded to the request time, in particular concerning the opening hours of restaurant relays in order to allow road drivers to benefit from
"a large parking capacity for heavy vehicles and the possibility of to be received in very good conditions with a hot meal, access to showers, to sleep in their vehicle and to have a hot breakfast thanks to these fairly long hours ”
.
"It is a real relief because we are entering the winter period and it was essential to regain dignity for our colleagues"
, continues Patrick Blaise who sees
"a good start"
.
Adjustments could indeed be reviewed with the ministry in order to increase, if necessary, the number of relay restaurants open according to demand, he says.
A list of the 250 establishments, defined between Thursday and Friday, will soon be distributed by the trade unions.