France Restructures Rail Freight Company Amid Protests and Strikes
AFP | France
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France is set to restructure its leading rail freight company, splitting it into two separate entities, Hexafret and Technis, starting January 1, 2025. This move follows months of negotiations between the French government and the European Commission, aiming to prevent the company's liquidation. The restructuring is part of efforts to address financial difficulties faced by the company, which employs 5,000 workers.
The announcement has sparked protests and strikes among employees who fear job losses and reduced benefits as a result of the split. Workers have gathered at rail stations in cities like Paris and Caen, expressing concerns about the potential impact on their livelihoods. Snowfall in northern France added to the backdrop of growing tensions between unions and the government.
The restructuring plan, which divides the company into Hexafret for bulk goods and Technis for specialized freight, was designed to safeguard jobs and avoid a liquidation scenario. However, the strikes highlight the challenges in balancing economic reforms with worker protections, with negotiations continuing as the January deadline approaches.
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