The Betriebsrat of Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM) has issued a one-week deadline to company management. They expect responses to 48 safety demands from employees, or they may proceed with partial strikes. Ricardo Mas, the chairman of the Betriebsrat, emphasized that this decision stems from a recent assembly.
This call for action comes amid stark contrasts in positions. José Ramón Orta, the CEO, remains optimistic about the negotiation process, believing that a technical proposal will efficiently address all raised issues. The current climate is fueled by serious rail accidents on the Spanish mainland, motivating SFM employees to consider strike threats, albeit previously unexecuted.
Background of Safety Demands
The discussions between management and the Betriebsrat have taken place over four sessions without tangible outcomes. Unions have expressed frustration, labeling these meetings as unproductive and lacking actionable results. Mas has voiced criticism, stressing the need for concrete and verifiable commitments from the company.
Implications of Potential Strikes
- One-week grace period for management to address demands.
- Partial strikes may be initiated if no responses are received.
- Focus on improving rail safety standards.
The Betriebsrat remains skeptical about further dialogue, despite allowing the additional week for management to propose solutions. Central to the dispute is the establishment of a railway safety commission previously agreed upon a few years ago.
Future Steps and Negotiations
Orta announced that the safety commission might convene by early March if an agreement on its operational framework is reached. The Betriebsrat has provided its own draft for rules governing this commission and is open to starting its work in March, contingent on progress in February.
Orta conveyed optimism regarding reaching an agreement and mentioned the hiring of engineers for the commission last autumn. He refuted claims that management had evaded this issue, underscoring that new hires need time for proper integration. As an interim measure, he suggested bolstering the commission with experienced SFM technicians until permanent members are appointed.
