seventh day of strike at town hall, discussions begin
On the seventh day of the strike in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the mobilization continues with determination. After a letter sent by the strikers to the town hall on Monday, November 25, Mayor Sophie Charles reacted on Tuesday afternoon, paving the way for a possible resumption of discussions.
A letter sent Monday, November 25 by the UTG union, which remained unanswered throughout the morning of Tuesday, November 26, has reignited the impatience of the strikers mobilized in front of municipal buildings since the start of the conflict. The letter called for the urgent opening of negotiations to find a solution to this social conflict which began on November 20.
Fabien Alaïs, general secretary of the UTG local section, did not hide his frustration at the start of the day:
We reached out yesterday by sending a clear letter, expressing our availability to discuss. So far, no response. This silence is difficult to understand.
The strike continues with determination, affecting several municipal services and slowing down certain public activities. The technical service, some sports structures, and schools, although generally open, are suffering impacts linked to the lack of municipal staff at their posts. However, no blockage has been officially noted.
The strikers remain firm in their demands, while calling for dialogue to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
We don't want the situation to get worse, but we remain determined to get clear answers
said Fabien Alaïs.
It was finally in the middle of the afternoon of this Tuesday, November 26 that Madame Sophie Charles reacted with an official letter. The mayor expressed her desire to open discussions with union representatives while recalling the efforts already made by the municipality to improve the working conditions of agents.
The town hall is ready to initiate a dialogue on the demands expressed, within the framework of the budgetary capacities of the community and in compliance with regulatory provisions.
She invites union representatives to a meeting in the coming days, thus marking a first opening towards an end to the crisis.
The implementation of the Function, Suggestions and Expertise Allowance (IFSE);
Grade advancements;
Compliance with protocols of agreement;
Better management of careers and psychosocial risks.
The union welcomed the town hall's response with caution and is currently studying the proposals made by the community. A consensus is expected to allow an opening towards initial dialogues between the two parties.
Tuesday, November 26 marks a first step towards a resumption of dialogue between the strikers and the municipality.