Strike movement in swimming pools in Paris: negotiations drag on

On strike since July 1, the lifeguards and technical agents denounce the increase in their working hours since the reform of the public service. While the notice lasts until August 31, discussions have been opened with the city of Paris, without success so far.

“In general, the constraints related to our work are not taken seriously enough. Plague Voussad Challal, lifeguard and communication secretary of the CGT of Paris. On June 25, the union filed a notice of strikes in sports centers, swimming pools and bathing places in Paris, from July 1 to August 31. Last weekend, 12 swimming pools were closed out of the 42 present in the capital. The Force Ouvrière and General Confederation of Labor groups have been decrying the problem through strike notices since January.

These actions follow the increase in the working time of agents, introduced by the law of August 6, 2019 on the transformation of the public service. The latter takes away 8 days off from the initial 33 and imposes 35 hours of weekly work. In a mocking tone, Voussad points to the reforms put in place by this text: “At the CGT, we call it the law of the destruction of the public service. Currently, we are fighting for our days off, but in reality this represents only a drop of water in view of all the problems that this text engenders. »

Proposals deemed insufficient

On the side of the municipality, it is impossible to go back on the measures of this law. The town hall has already asked several times to withdraw the current notice. A request refused by the unions and agents concerned. Initially closed to negotiations, the city finally agreed to start discussions, with the aim of reaching a common agreement. “With the media frenzy, the heat wave and the dissatisfaction of users, we were received last week to talk about it. But for the moment, our general assembly has rejected the proposals made. We made counter-proposals, so we are waiting to see, but things are stagnating quite a bit. recognizes Voussad, the doubtful voice.

For the lifeguard, the difficulty and the risks associated with this work are not recognized at their fair value. In an annoyed tone, he explains the difficulties of the profession: “Contrary to what the general public may think, swimming pools are an extremely toxic place. In reaction with foreign products, chlorine creates carcinogenic by-products to which we are constantly exposed. All agents in France should have compensation for these dangers. In a recent press release, the CGT again underlines the “particularly difficult” working conditions to which lifeguards are exposed, insisting on the lack of facilities to overcome these problems. In the long term, the union calls for the establishment of the establishments concerned, so that « the public service is provided by the public ».

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Moncef ARBADJI

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