A stalled strike in the face of social breakdown. The CGT, FO and Solidaires, three of Météo-France’s four union organizations, have started a “long-term” strike to denounce the regular size of the workforce and the deterioration of working conditions. 20 minutes takes stock of the movement.
What is going on ?
The first mobilization of November 13 was only a premise. Faced with a reorganization of work and a drastic reduction in staff numbers, trade union organizations are stepping up to the plate. The CGT, FO and Solidaires have launched a long-term strike until January 7. The CFDT, the only union not to call a strike, says it supports the movement, as recalled Release.
“What worries us is the state of the meteorological service following the numerous staff cuts that we have experienced since the beginning of the 2000s and which brings us to a situation where we are no longer able to do the work we did before,” laments at the microphone of France Bleu Occitanie Renaud Tzanos (Solidaires), research and development engineer in short-term forecasts at Météo-France. The union representative denounces a move to 2,500 employees, compared to 3,700 people at the beginning of the century.
What issues were raised by the unions?
Automation, yes, but not at any cost. The new so-called “3P” organization (program, forecast, production) is making people cringe. In particular, it provides for a greater share of automation, with a reduction in human control, as recalled Humanity.
Computer-generated content, including weather reports, was previously supervised by seven people, notes Release. Today, only one person will be in charge of supervision, deplores Jérôme Lartisant (FO) to the daily. The new organization causes doubt among many agents as to the “reliability” of the bulletins and dissatisfaction at work, underlines the elected FO to Humanity.
How did management react?
Management received the unions on Friday, December 1, after the announcement of the filing of strike notice. “They clearly note a discomfort on the part of the agents but speak of “breaking in” and do not make the link with the new organization,” notes François Giroux (CGT) to Release. The solutions proposed by management according to the unionist? Psychological support. “It’s very nice, but what we need is a reorganization and more staff,” complains the elected official.