Having just emerged from a record strike of more than 45 days against pension reform, the transport authority faces a major new challenge: the opening to competition which must range from 2024 to 2039. Like SNCF employees, RATP agents have a special status which gives rise to many fantasies in public opinion. We sifted through five preconceived ideas.
1. RATP is obliged to provide a minimum service
FALSE. A 2007 law, passed under Nicolas Sarkozy, forced transport operators to ensure a minimum of service during strikes on priority routes, that is to say on the busiest lines during peak hours. A measure that applies according to "the extent of the disruption", and without having the right to requisition staff from among the strikers. Only obligation for the latter: declare themselves 48 hours before the movement. We must therefore speak of a "predictable" service and not "minimum". At the end of 2019, the RATP mobilized nearly 1,200 non-striking volunteers to provide station service or provide passenger information. And, above all, qualified executives drove RER and metros.
2. It pays its employees bonuses in abundance
TRUE. There are many bonuses, indemnities and gratuities very numerous at RATP. Spotted on a document drawn up by the company in 2015, the allowance for “abnormal wear of shoes”, at 0.31 euros an hour, that, even more surprising, which concerns the handling of cash, checks and bank cards for bus and ticket agents. To this, we must add the premium for "non-loss of tools", that relating to "exceptional events" (43.18 euros per service), paid on the occasion of trade fairs taking place at Porte de Versailles or at Le Bourget, matches or concerts at the Stade de France or the Parc des Princes… as well as in the event of an increase in transport service of more than 15%! On the other hand, the 'non-premium bonus', granted to those who have received nothing, is, for its part, an urban legend.
3. She gives them 4 months vacation per year
FALSE. Admittedly, RATP agents benefit from 121 days of rest each year, whatever their function ... But this number includes - in addition to 25 to 28 days of paid vacation - weekends, holidays, as well as 17 days of RTT . These agents therefore do not have four times more vacation than employees in the private sector, who are entitled, on average and on the same basis of calculation, to 104 days of annual rest.
4. It is a 100% Parisian company
FALSE. RATP now generates 23% of its turnover internationally, where it exports its expertise. 438 cities around the world have already chosen it to design, operate or maintain their "mobility" networks. In addition to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Florence (Italy) or Singapore, RATP is also present in the provinces, notably in Valenciennes (North), Lorient (Morbihan) or La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendée).
5. It should be all about automation
FALSE. Would driverless metros, like on lines 14 and 1, and soon on line 4, be the ideal solution for transporting passengers in the event of a strike? Well no. Because these lines need, to function, agents ensuring the opening of the stations, the sale at the counters, the security… which can also be strikers.