|
|
|
Change low graphic options | Change language | Skip content to navigation
Page context: Home > News online
Railway workers in Hungary take strike action over budget cuts and line closures
22 October 2009
Workers in Hungary took strike action after the government announced plans to slash the railway budget and close railway lines.
Members of the ITF-affiliated Hungarian Free Trade Union for Railway Workers and three other unions walked out on strike on 19 October. They were protesting over proposals to cut 40 billion HUF (US$224 million) in funding from the railway industry, as well as to close some 30 railway lines, affecting 5000 workplaces.
The strike took place across the entire Hungarian state railway network and related companies. Talks between the government and the unions on 20 October in a bid to resolve the dispute failed.
The ITF’s European arm, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), sent a letter to Istvan Gasko, president of the Free Trade Union of Railway Workers, expressing solidarity with its fight against the funding cuts and line closures and its struggle to protect jobs in the industry.
In the letter dated 20 October, ETF general secretary Eduardo Chagas and ETF deputy general secretary Sabine Trier emphasised the importance of financial support for the railways given its crucial role in fighting climate change and enhancing sustainability. They stated: “The plans of the Hungarian government to cut the railways’ budget and close down railway lines is contrary to the overall European policy to promote sustainable transport.”
The unions are currently considering whether or not to take further strike action.
Back to current news online stories
Section home:
News online
Other pages for News online:
About News Online | What is RSS | ITF Headlines on your Website
RSS feeds
Download our free RSS news feeds:
English |Español |Français |Deutsch |Svenska
What is RSS?
Main Sections:
Home | About us | Solidarity | Flags of Convenience campaign | Seafarers | Dockers | Civil Aviation | Railways | Road transport | Urban Transport | Fisheries | Tourism | Inland Navigation | Education | Young workers | Women | ETF Home | Congress 2010
Transport International Magazine
accessibility | site help | site map
ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR | +44 20 7403 2733 | mail@itf.org.uk
