Remuneration, specific bonds … The causes of the mobilization of this month of May 2025 are numerous. But the other issue that crystallizes the tensions between the SNCF address and the railway workers (drivers and controllers) is the planning review.
In fact, according to unions, the software is supposed to optimize schedules, particularly thanks to artificial intelligence, destabilizes work schedules. Many rail workers would be subject to the last minute changes.
“One in two possibilities that the days jump”
“This software settled four years ago,” recalls Fabien Villedieu, union representative of Sud-Rail, in Tech & Co. “At the beginning, he warned us about our schedules one year in advance. Then, it was reduced to 6 months, then three.” Worse, “a colleagues controller realizes that the software can change its days almost 24 hours before.”
In fact, as stipulated by the National Collective Agreement of the Railway Branch, employees must be informed of the changes in their latest 24 hours in advance. A deadline that falls at an hour for the modification of work hours. But these cases must remain exceptional.
“We are not machines, we are still human beings,” plague. Under these conditions, impossible for agents to organize themselves, therefore. “Before, the bearings allowed to project. In four years, working conditions have deteriorated,” notes that the one who recalls that his colleagues have, for example, difficulties in programming a medical appointment or organizing to recover their children.
“We do not doubt the logic of optimization and productivity,” insists Fabien Villedieu. “When the days were changed to the margin, it was not a problem. But there, that rots the life of the agents, who are already in times of compensation for weekends during the week (…) It is hell.”
An audit directed by the SNCF
For its part, the SNCF administration indicates that, according to its calculations, most changes in time are announced at least one month in advance, and only in 3 % of cases on average during the night, remember 20 minutes. A figure refuted by South-Rail.
“The controllers will not enter into a strike for 3% of days of compensation,” the union representative protested. “Given the percentages of strikers, there is a real problem. It is far from being marginal.”
The SNCF management admitted, on April 23, that “improvements” should be “to bring visibility for railway workers.” He also promised “a better visibility of six months during rest periods and a better response capacity after license applications.”
The planning management software will be audited by an external expert and “working groups” will meet. “The SNCF acknowledged that there was a problem and wishes to find solutions,” confirms Fabien Villedieu, who regrets, however, that the conclusions of this investigation were not done until September.
Source: BFM TV
