Trade Unions in France sometimes do not seem really important in the sense that less than 10% of workers have joined a union. However, the law gives lots of power to them and we thought that it would be quite interesting to ask some questions to a person who works in a trade Union. We sent email to some of them and we obtained answer from the CGT (confédération générale du travail). This trade Union defends the workers rights. Just below this, you will find the interview :
Our team : What is the impact of the pollution on workers ?
CGT : We demanded studies to evaluate the risk and notably the link between the exposure of pollution in the subway and the mortality rate.
Our team : What are the most concerned profession ?
CGT : The professions which are concerned by this problem are metro drivers, customer service agents and maintenance technicians. They are exposed seven hours thirty minutes each day. After this period of time, if the person blows his nose it will be black.
Our team : Is it a problem which is in the heart of your debate in meetings ?
CGT : Of course we have lots of problem to resolve but the situation is worrying. The main problem is that there is no norm for the subway and especially for underground. There is norm for outside in the street for example and only for people who are exposed more than eight hours. However, norms are different according to the country and even the city. On some plans, they observed that the pollution PM10 (particulate matter) was of 26 outside and 202 inside in the subway. The difference is big but we can do nothing without norms.
Our team : What is the situation today ? Have you seen some change over the past ten years ?
CGT : The RATP which is the metro company in Paris have made some changes over the past ten years. They set electronic braking system and improve the ventilation system. It is good but not enough. RATP does not create norms and it does not encourage actors like the State to put norms simply because it is an advantage for it. If norms are put in place, people will be able to refuse to work and to negotiate better working conditions. Nevertheless, occupational medicine is aware of this problem and even the RATP knows that it is dangerous for workers but it does not recognize it publicly.
Our team : What do you do to change the situation ?
CGT : We make meetings and resolutions. We also distribute leaflets but we do not have lots of power.
Our team : Thank you for the exchange and I hope that you will succeed in your revendications.
