African workers suing the SNCF
SNCF workers from Morocco are alleging unequal treatment throughout their careers compared to French colleagues
NATIONAL rail firm SNCF is being sued for €108 million by some workers from North Africa who claim they have been treated unfairly compared to French colleagues.
Three hundred and sixty railworkers, represented by barrister Léopold Mendes, are suing the firm in the Paris prud’homme court, which deals with work disputes. The case was meant to open today, but is likely to be put off until next year to give the SNCF for extra time to prepare its defence.
The complainants (some retired) were taken on in the 1970s on contracts that said they had the right to the same treatment as French counterparts. However they retire at 60 instead of 55, and have less favourable pensions, paying into a scheme based on the private sector rather than the SNCF’s own specialised one.
They also claim they have lacked career progression opportunities such as being able to take internal exams so as to qualify for more senior jobs. “They have remained entry-level workers, putting wagons together in shunting stations, while their colleagues have had proper careers,” Mr Mendes said.
They are also said to also miss out on such perks as special low rail fares for their families.
According to Mr Mendes, the prejudice suffered by the workers is worth €300,000 each, which is the sum he is demanding. If the case does not succeed, he is considering an appeal to anti-discrimination body La Halde.
