Marseille authorities on Sunday requisitioned striking garbage workers, two days before the Olympic torch is scheduled to arrive in the port city, to ensure there are enough workers on the job to maintain services. We asked the local government to reinstate them.
Why is it important?
The strike, which has been ongoing since April 30, could tarnish the city's image at a time when it is attracting global attention as the Olympic torch arrives on French soil.
important quotes
“A small number of staff members who are members of the CGT Union, a minority union within the facility, have decided to block access to several household waste transfer centers. This irresponsible act prevents proper collection activities. ” said the Marseille administration in a statement.
context
Labor disputes in critical infrastructure sectors have become one of the main headaches for organizers of this year's Paris Summer Olympics. France's hard-line CGT union announced earlier this year that public sector workers, including hospital staff, had threatened to strike during the convention.
Although the right to strike is enshrined in the constitution, French state authorities have the right to “return to work” in order to maintain a minimum level of service activity when public order, hygiene, tranquility and safety are at risk. Can issue orders. Last year, such requisition orders were used to ensure sufficient supplies during a major strike campaign at the country's refineries and fuel deposits.
what's next
The Olympic torch is scheduled to arrive in Marseille on Wednesday aboard a three-masted ship, with up to 150,000 people expected to attend the ceremony in the southern city's old port.