(France) Fired for refusing to cut off poor families' water

It could be seen as a classic case of French solidarity or just an example of a disobedient worker, but an employee at Veolia in France has been sacked for refusing to cut off the water supply to poor families.

The head-strong worker was fired by his bosses at Veolia Eau (Veolia Water) in the town of Avignon this month after reportedly having refused to cut off the water at homes belonging to disadvantaged families, since 2006.

The man, named in the French media only as Mark, had been employed at Veolia for 20 years but was handed his dismissal letter on April 4th for his “refusal to implement the cut-offs following the non-payment of bills”.

Justifying his actions, the rebel employee told Europe1 radio: “I saw people who had nothing, living with their children, who begged me not to cut off the water supply and to give them a little more time to pay up.

“It could happen to anyone. You have to make a choice - either feed the children or pay the bills. These big companies pocket the money and redistribute it to their shareholders, without looking after their clients or employees. It’s scandalous,” the sacked employee added.

http://www.thelocal.fr/page/view/sacked-for-refusing-to-cut-off-poor-families-water#.UXLm6Ur4KSo