* A clear message to reject the reform of our special retired railworkers’ pension scheme. An increase in purchasing power and development of working conditions are closely related to this requirement.

* A clear message on freight: railworkers demand a complete halt to the break-up of this sector including infrastructure, stations and jobs. The future of rail freight, including land use planning, economic development and environmental impact, must be the subject of public debate.

The real warning shot addressed to the government and the SNCF management on October 18 must compel them to provide the answers railworkers expect. So, we hope, in the sense that the Minister of Labour is calling further bilateral meetings this week to discuss the reform due to the strength of the social movements and Trade Unions.

Above them the following trade union federations CGT-FO - CFDT - CFTC - SUD - UNSA - CFE / CGC - FGAAC, having gained the upper hand on 18 October, addressed the Minister of Labour.

* First to remind him of their rejection of the reforms.
* Second, asking him to organize, at the end of these meetings, a national round table on the special arrangements with the government and all railway workers’ trade unions.

The organisations desire to reinforce the balance of power in unity and the broadest possible alliance to put all the cards on the side of the railworkers to win. In this context, we propose that all the trade union organizations of companies call a special meet in the coming days to discuss and decide on necessary mobilisations.

In any case, the railway federations will meet again, on October 31, 2007, on a bilateral basis to analyse the situation and the government’s responses. If the government refuses to reconsider its proposals, it would bear the responsibility for a longer conflict.