Nordine Chbak: Championing Worker Safety and Well-being at Sterimed

Nordine Chbak, a dedicated union representative at Sterimed in Amélie-les-Bains, Pyrénées-Orientales, France, is focused on enhancing the working conditions for the company’s 270 employees. His efforts center on prioritizing safety, health, and work-life balance within the medical device packaging manufacturer.

A Commitment to Worker Rights

As an FO union delegate and CSE (Comité Social et Economique) elected official at Sterimed, Chbak, 47, actively advocates for the rights and well-being of his colleagues. Sterimed specializes in producing specialized paper packaging for medical devices used for sterilization in hospitals. The factory operates continuously, requiring a dedicated workforce.

Improving Work Schedules

Chbak successfully campaigned for a shift in work organization, transitioning employees to a 5/8 schedule. This new system involves working six consecutive days followed by four days of recovery. He believes this arrangement is significantly less strenuous than the previous 3/8 schedule.

Facilitating End-of-Career Arrangements

Recognizing the importance of long-term financial security, Chbak also played a key role in establishing an agreement for end-of-career arrangements. This allows employees to retire slightly earlier by utilizing savings from their CET (Compte Épargne Temps – Time Savings Account), supplemented by employer contributions.

A Lifelong Advocate for Social Justice

Chbak’s commitment to social justice extends beyond his role at Sterimed. He previously worked as a municipal agent in Villejuif, France, managing a neighborhood center for disadvantaged youth. He entered trade unionism after being encouraged by a former FO delegate to run for CSE elections, a role he embraced and from which he has gained valuable experience.

A Family Tradition of Union Involvement

Chbak’s dedication to worker rights is shared by his family. His eldest daughter has recently joined FO and is taking on the role of secretary of the CSE on the future line 15 of the Grand Paris express project, demonstrating a continuation of the family’s commitment to unionism.

Nordine Chbak’s work at Sterimed exemplifies a proactive approach to worker welfare, balancing production demands with a genuine concern for the health, safety, and overall quality of life of the employees he represents.