Strike resolution talks continue

Nearly two weeks after a strike by the CGT and STC unions at Corsica Linea over the proposed chartering of the Massalia ship by La Méridionale, the Office des transports de la Corse (OTC) held a meeting with leaders of the two DSP delegating companies and union representatives at the offices of the Collectivité de Corse in Bastia. The meeting, according to Jean-Félix Acquaviva, president of the OTC, aimed to "assess what has happened but mainly to look forward."

Key issues under discussion

Among the topics discussed were the financing of the territorial continuity grant, which the OTC considers urgent to resolve for the coming year, and the European environmental taxation, the cost of which particularly affects freight transport. Acquaviva stated that proactive efforts have been made for an exemption and that the government is now expected to defend Corsica in Brussels, with answers needed by the end of the year.

Unions push for control over maritime transport

The unions are advocating for better control over Corsican maritime transport. Frédéric Alpozzo, CGT general secretary for Marseille sailors, described the OTC initiative as "welcome." He highlighted the issue of the carbon tax addressed by the OTC president and noted the need for regulation across all routes with low-cost companies that continue to attack them, including from Toulon and Sète.

Reappropriation of the naval tool discussed

Jean Brignole, representing the STC, emphasized the "naval tool." He stated that the STC has long argued for the reappropriation of ships, noting that companies continue to buy ships without Corsica being the owner of this naval tool. Without it, forming a regional maritime public company is impossible. Brignole mentioned that there seems to be a meeting between the OTC and the companies on this topic and that the STC will be attentive.

Tensions remain after the strike

Tensions remain despite the willingness to dialogue. Although the OTC intends to open a new phase of discussions, tensions between the actors do not seem to have subsided after the end of the strike. After heated exchanges with the STC and CGT, Pascal Trojani, president of Corsica Linea, abruptly left the meeting before it concluded. Jean Brignole stated, "the problem is that there are two companies on the DSP."

OTC seeks unity and urgency

From the OTC's perspective, Jean-Félix Acquaviva acknowledged "that there are divergences that have once again manifested and rough spots that are still present." He emphasized the need to create cohesion through a common project, with the two days of work allowing for clarification of this trajectory. Acquaviva noted that the urgent matter is the financing of the territorial continuity grant for the coming year and the halt of taxation that weighs on households. He stressed the need to speed things up and work together.

Other developments in Corsica

Other developments in Corsica include a renovated fire station in Bocognano to improve the daily lives of firefighters, the return of the Salon du Chocolat to Place Saint-Nicolas for three days of indulgence and discoveries, a new municipal police post in Bastia to strengthen security in the southern neighborhoods, and the end of the pilots' strike at Air Corsica, with the resumption of normal flights on Tuesday.