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ITF calls on Hungarian government to honour commitments to railway workers
7 February 2008
The ITF has urged the Hungarian government to respect commitments made to railway workers during negotiations over restructuring and privatisation. The workers are currently on strike following the new transport minister’s withdrawal of concessions agreed by his predecessor.
In a letter dated 7 February, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft called on the Minister of Transport Dr Kákosi Csaba to honour the commitments that were made to workers at the Hungarian state railway’s freight company, MÁV Cargo. Put on the table by the previous Transport Minister Janos Koka, it was agreed that part of the revenue obtained from the sale of MÁV Cargo would be allocated to workers – approximately 1000 euros (US$ 1460) per employee. Workers affected by outsourcing were also set to receive an additional pay increase of 10 per cent.
Cockroft reminded Csaba: “To date MÁV employees have shouldered a huge burden as a result of the restructuring and privatisation process, and they still face challenges in the future. The ITF believes it is only appropriate that you recognise this contribution made by the workers to the modernising of Hungary’s railways.”
The ITF has sent a letter of solidarity to the ITF-affiliated Free Trade Union of Railway Workers, which held a one-day strike on 1 February over the issue. The union, representing some 10,000 of the Hungarian state railway’s 36,000 workers, has vowed to continue the strike, which was resumed on 4 February after talks failed.
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