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French drivers in new strike threat

23rd January 1997
Page 4
Page 4, 23rd January 1997 — French drivers in new strike threat
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by Brian Weatherley • International operators could be facing a new French truck drivers' strike before the end of the month. French driver unions have yet to receive concessions and cash payments promised to them to settle last December's devastating dispute and they are threatening further action.

In a bid to resolve last year's strike the French government appointed a mediator to negotiate with hauliers. Amongst the concessions agreed were a reduction in working hours, pay rises, and pensionable status at 55 fol lowing 25 industry. years work in the Striking drivers were also promised compensation payments of F3000 apiece; half to be paid before the end of the year and the remainder by the end of the first quarter of 1997. However, those payments have not been forthcoming. This has angered the strik ers, while those drivers who worked through the dispute are demanding the same F3000 payment.

During the strike only 8% of French drivers are estimated to have taken industrial action.

The Freight Transport Association has warned that any future blockades could be disastrous: it is calling on the French government to honour its agreement with the drivers' unions.

A spokesman says: "If it happened again you could see a much wider national blockade with more drivers lending their support—it would be crippling."


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