Labor Action Rolls Across Europe

Nov. 30, 2005
As the European Parliament considers steps to liberalize and privatize segments of the transportation industry, workers expressed their growing concerns

As the European Parliament considers steps to liberalize and privatize segments of the transportation industry, workers expressed their growing concerns the actions will result in job losses. Transport Intelligence reported 3,500 German workers walked out in protest over potential liberalization of the European ports sector. Other workers across Europe joined the Germans in attempting to put pressure on the European Parliament to halt efforts to introduce more competition into a sector which is largely state controlled and monopolistic.

French labor action included dockworkers and rail labor. The workers feared the French government was ready to privatize the state-owned railroad. According to the Transport Intelligence report, workers have received written assurances from politicians that the company would remain in the public sector.

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