Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of rail operator NMBS, catches up an interview in De Tijd heavy on the federal government. Dutordoir has been at the top of NMBS for 2,5 years now. In the coming weeks, she will have to conclude a new social agreement with the unions, which will not be an easy task, because the unions have already announced that they do not want to move a millimeter to work longer.

“There is no vision on mobility and rail, no investment plan and no money. Nothing happens. We are working our way through here, but it is muddling on the sidelines. ”

According to the NWS, the railway boss also severely attacks the Belgian federal government. SNCB has been waiting for a new management agreement since 2012.

“We are working our way through here to take small steps forward. While I am expected to undertake profound reforms towards a modern rail company. I am sorry, but in this context SNCB and Infrabel cannot do more than work in the margins. I expect the government to work on rail mobility. ”

In De Tijd, Dutordoir emphasizes that she does not want to touch existing permanent appointments, nor acquired rights. One of the big problems is that all our rules on labor, wages, promotion or disciplinary sanctions are still based on the 1926 regime. There are also hundreds of premiums. People here are entitled to a bonus if they drive a service car from one place to another during working hours.

Also read: Car parks at stations are increasingly paying

Read also  Older people fear the digital train now that counters are closing their doors
NMBS
Print Friendly, PDF & Email