On April 12, 2025, employees of the Decazeville company STS (Société Technic’Services), specialized in aeronautics and defense, mobilized to make their voices heard against a unilateral decision by their management. At the heart of this movement is the obligation to work on Saturdays, particularly for employees with disabilities, which has caused deep indignation. Many questions arise about the impact of this measure both on the health of employees and on their rights. A dive into a conflict that could redefine the landscape of employment and inclusion at work.
Over the years, the CGT has consistently been at the forefront of defending workers’ rights. Today, this new chapter in the history of the STS company raises legitimate concerns about the well-being of employees, especially those with disabilities. While management claims to be open to dialogue, the initial reactions suggest that the tension is at its peak.
The context of the STS employees’ strike
The strike organized by the employees of STS, which took place on April 12, takes place in a climate of growing dissatisfaction. Indeed, management decided to impose Saturday work on all operators in the branch. This decision, according to the CGT union, was made without any prior consultation. Emilien Drayer, local representative of the CGT, warns that many affected employees are disabled, benefiting from RQTH status (Recognition of the Quality of Disabled Worker).
The health and morale affected
- Impacts on the health of vulnerable employees.
- Increased worries about a Sunday work obligation.
- Risk of an increase in sick leaves for health reasons.
For these workers with already concerning health conditions, Saturday work was previously considered optional. According to Drayer, “It was a choice, and it worked. But now, it could worsen their condition.” This feeling of insecurity about the future and the new imperatives of the company raises fundamental questions about inclusion and respect for workers’ rights.
The union reactions to the decision
In the face of this imposed obligation, the CGT quickly denounced a measure deemed a violation of the fundamental rights of workers. “It’s not so much working on Saturdays that is the problem, but the way it was decided,” explains Emilien Drayer. The struggle of the STS employees is based on several demands that we will now explore.
The demands of employees and their impact on daily life
The employees of STS are not content to oppose the decision of mandatory Saturday work. They put forward clear proposals, aimed at improving their daily lives while ensuring their rights. Here are the main points of their list of demands:
| Demand | Objective |
|---|---|
| Salary increases for hours worked on Saturdays | Fair financial compensation for extra work |
| Maintain work on a voluntary basis | Respect employees’ wishes, especially those with disabilities |
| Increase staff in certain sectors | Lighten the existing workload and prevent burnout |
| Provide a food allowance | Improve the working conditions of employees working on Saturdays |
| Compensatory rest | Ensure a work-life balance |
The CGT also emphasizes a more concerning reality: the government aid received by these employees, such as the activity bonus, is often closely linked to their working hours. In the event of a transition to Saturday work, the loss of rights could occur for some, which could further plunge more households into financial difficulties.
The future of disabled workers in precarious situations
The questions about the future of employees with disabilities are numerous. Drayer mentions the risks of dismissal for incapacity, a fear shared by several of these workers. “We know that there are encouraging financial results, but who really benefits from them?” he questions. The fear of no longer being able to meet the company’s expectations becomes a burden for these employees already weakened by their condition.
The current situation has led to attempts at dialogue between the union, human resources, and the management of STS. However, so far, these discussions have not yielded the expected results.
The arguments of STS executives in response to the strike
From the management’s side, imposing Saturday work is seen as a way to ensure the company’s sustainability. Two executives explain that forcing employees to work on Saturdays is actually a necessity to maintain the company’s competitiveness. “We need this flexibility to meet market demands,” they assert.
This vision, however, seems at odds with that of the employees. The executives express a willingness to support employees with disabilities, while assuring that their current operation respects the commitments made by the company. “Every employee is unique, and we are committed to finding suitable solutions,” says Corrine Mazars, the director of human resources. For her, communication is key, and she would have preferred a different approach in implementing this decision.
Tensions that could harm the company’s image
If management mentions a functioning corporate strategy, the strike calls this perception into question. While the CGT continues to advocate its demands, the HR department is concerned about a potential deterioration of STS’s image. Two employees expressed their frustration with what they consider a failing management of human resources. “Working on Saturdays should not be imposed, especially for employees with disabilities,” confides an employee who prefers to remain anonymous.
It is undeniable that all eyes are now on STS, and how it handles the conflict could have real consequences for its image.
The potential implications of this strike on labor legislation in France
The current situation at STS could have repercussions beyond the walls of the company. On a national scale, the CGT has already expressed concerns about similar trends that could spread to other companies. To understand this, it is essential to examine the legal implications that this case raises.
Immense pressure is being placed on the government to protect workers’ rights, especially those with disabilities. Recently, alerts have been issued regarding massive layoffs in several industrial sectors. Paradoxically, the concept of inclusion, although lauded, often seems trampled in the reality of the market. With more than 200,000 jobs at risk in recent years, the CGT has become the spokesperson for disgruntled workers facing a system that seems to respond less to human needs than to those of profitability source.
A call for general mobilization
As events at STS continue, it is highly likely that this action will lead to similar movements across the country. The employees of STS are not alone, and their struggle opens the door to other mobilizations for advocates of inclusion in the job market. “Inclusion should not just be limited to speeches, but should translate into concrete actions,” declares Emilien Drayer, advocating for a true transformation of mentalities regarding the integration of people with disabilities.
In this sense, the situation at STS could serve as an example to other companies, but also alert authorities to the need for labor law reform. Workers’ rights are at stake, and the mobilization of employees could provoke a real upheaval in traditional management modes in the professional sphere.
FAQ
What are the main demands of STS employees?
The employees of STS primarily demand increased salaries for hours worked on Saturdays, maintaining volunteerism for working that day, pay premiums, and measures to improve the working conditions of people with disabilities.
How does the CGT react to this situation?
The CGT has expressed strong indignation at the obligation to impose Saturday work. It calls for mobilization to defend workers’ rights, especially those with disabilities, and for constructive discussion with management to find solutions.
What are the risks associated with this Saturday work obligation?
The risks include deterioration of employees’ health, particularly those with RQTH status, who may not be able to keep up with the imposed pace, potentially leading to dismissals for incapacity or prolonged sick leaves.
What is the position of STS management regarding this obligation?
Management defends this obligation as a necessity to ensure the sustainability of the company and asserts that it is open to dialogue to adapt the working conditions of employees, particularly those with disabilities.
Are the actions taken by employees representative of a larger movement?
Yes, this mobilization could be a sign of a broader trend across the country, with the CGT calling for strengthened protection of workers’ rights against measures perceived as unjust.
