Several unions have called for strikes on the SNCF TER network in the PACA region, particularly this weekend when two Rugby World Cup matches are to be played in Marseille. The FO and CGT unions, which had filed a notice this summer lasting until the beginning of 2024, to denounce in particular “chronic understaffing” and “a public service that has become destitute”, called for a strike of train drivers on Saturday and Sunday .
95% of drivers intend to strike
At the end of the “individual declaration of intention” procedure for a strike, obligatory 48 hours before a strike, “95% of TER drivers in Marseille” announced themselves as participants, declared Ali-Jean Boualam, regional secretary FO Cheminots PACA, denouncing the attitude of management and “negotiations at a standstill”.
Another movement, started on Wednesday evening at the call of Sud-Rail in particular, concerns the staff of the main switching station at Saint-Charles station in Marseille, who are demanding in particular to benefit from a so-called “large post” bonus. The strikers decided on Friday to extend the movement, at least for the weekend, said Alexandra Rodriguez, of Sud-Rail. SNCF regional management indicated that traffic was “very slightly disrupted” by the two movements, with 85% of trains in the region running normally (the movement does not concern mainline traffic). “Everyone will be able to go to the stadium,” insisted a spokesperson.
Threat to the arrival of Pope Francis
In a press release, the region’s Renaissance president, Renaud Muselier, denounced it as a “disgrace”, accusing the strikers of wanting to “spoil a unique, festive event” for “categorical considerations”. Highlighting the “nearly 700 million euros invested (each year) by the Region for the TER,” he indicates that he has a “common priority, with the SNCF,” to limit the effects of this strike movement to “lines less frequented” and “to ensure as much as possible the journeys which allow people to get to and from the matches”, in particular the additional trains already planned.
The PACA region is hosting 10 Rugby World Cup matches, in Marseille and Nice. The region says it expects 600,000 foreign visitors on this occasion. The union officials interviewed did not rule out that the movements would continue or resume for the Pope’s visit to Marseille, scheduled for September 22 and 23.