Euro Cargo Rail functions despite partial strike over work conditions

A STRIKE at Deutsche Bahn Schenker Rail-owned French subsidiary, Euro Cargo Rail (ECR), over working conditions, which began on October 10, runs into its second week with little sign of ending.

But the company says strikers represent no more than 20 per cent of its 1,000-strong workforce. ECR is France's second-biggest rail freight operator behind Fret SNCF.

"The vast majority of staff are coming into work and ensuring that our customers' traffic is handled as planned each day and under optimal safety conditions." according to media reports.

But a senior union official claimed that 50 per cent of ECR's personnel are supporting the strike and that the company's traffic "is practically paralysed".

Earlier, he said that more than 70 of ECR's trains were idle in marshalling yards due to a shortage of drivers. "We are ready to sit down with management and negotiate but they refuse to do so while the strike continues."