From 1 January next year, the day-to-day work of firefighters at SDIS 29 could well change. A trade union has therefore given notice of a strike for 11, 12 and 13 July. This date was not chosen at random.
“Of course, the choice of date is by no means insignificant,” explains Fabrice Le Ven, general secretary of the CGT Sdis 29, to our colleagues at Ouest-France. Three days to mark the Tour de France’s visit to Finistère. “We want to make a splash,” adds the trade unionist.
Two points of disagreement
Citing the same source, the union highlights a potential increase of 60 hours in working time, amounting to 1,607 hours worked per year. For the SDIS management, this decision is unavoidable following a report by the chunger regional some accounts. “The increase in annual working hours by 60 hours is set out in the law. ‘We must comply,’ adds Colonel Christophe Auvray, deputy director of the SDIS, noting that this decision was taken to avoid having to ‘tinker with staff rest days’.”
On another note, the Regional Audit Office calls in its report for a reorganisation of staffing levels. Consequently, the SDIS management has decided to simply redeploy staff without affecting the HR budget – in other words, to move one or two staff members from night shifts to day shifts. According to Fabrice Le Ven, speaking to our colleagues at Ouest-France, this line of reasoning is unacceptable. “The report by the regional audit office focuses solely on figures. At no point does it mention the practical side of things, or our work.” And according to the CGT general secretary, in reality, “there must be enough volunteer firefighters to carry out our duties, day and night.”
“Dialogue has not broken down”
These two reforms are due to come into force on 1 January 2019. “We still have time to discuss and negotiate,” says Colonel Christophe Auvray.
On the trade union side, too, there is a desire to continue “discussions”. “The dialogue has not broken down,” confirms Fabrice Le Ven. How will their protest take shape on 11, 12 and 13 July? “We don’t know yet; we haven’t made any preparations. And, if possible, we’d like to avoid a strike.”