Les implications morales et éthiques du leadership de la grève française

In October 17th, 2007, French rail road workers decided strike. Indeed, several public companies made the decision to join their forces in order to claim professional ameliorations. Several corporations were involved in the action such as SNCF or RATP, EDG-GDF and clerical workers. Workers used their right to strike in order to obtain changes in the decision of the State. But before explaining the purpose of the strike, it could be useful to remind in what consists the right to strike. In France, this right is recognized by the State and is protected by the Constitution. It means that each worker or employee has the right to stop working and to be on strike in order to demonstrate a dissension or to claim professional improvements. A strike is licit and the employees can be protected if some conditions are respected: the action must be collective, the employee who is on strike must totally stop working and professional claims must be defined. Furthermore, concerning the public service, the strike notice must be sent 5 clear days before the beginning of the strike to the hierarchical authorities. The strike has no legal duration and can last several months. Moreover, the employer can not lay-off the employees who were on strike, it means that the strike interrupt the work contract but it can not break it off. However, stoppages on pay can be made. This situation is really particular in France. Indeed, it is rather different in other countries. Actually, we can consider that the right to strike in France represents a real advantage for the workers and employees as they are protected by the law and the Constitution. But why did public workers decide to be on strike in October?