Transport companies in Lille strike over Olympic bonuses

Workers protest against the level of bonuses for working during the Games

Public transport workers in Lille are striking today (July 2) over bonuses paid during the Olympic Games.

The action – which will affect the city’s subway, bus and tram services – is intended to symbolically coincide with the passage of the Olympic torch through the city today.

There are currently no further calls for strikes during the Olympic Games, but workers could follow the example of staff at major Paris airports, who are threatening to stop work throughout July and August.

Read more: Strike threat at Paris airport overshadows Olympic Games

The trams run on average every 15 minutes and do not serve major stops, including Lille Europe station.

Buses are running according to a modified timetable and trains on the city’s subway are running less frequently.

According to unions, an agreement on the expected bonuses during the Olympic Games has still not been ratified less than a month before the start of the Games.

In addition, they claim that the workers were punished by management for an earlier strike in connection with the bonus dispute on 21 June – the evening of the Festival of Music.

One million visitors expected in the city

The city will host handball and basketball matches during the Games, and around a million visitors are expected during the event.

In keeping with the Games’ sustainability promise, these visitors are encouraged to use public transport to the Games at the Stade Pierre Mauroy and throughout their stay.

Staff on the Ilévia public transport network in Lille were unable to take time off for the duration of the events, meaning public transport services can operate more frequently during the Games.

For this reason, the unions are demanding a flat-rate bonus of 500 euros for all Ilévia workers, as well as a bonus of 50 euros per working day during the Games (27 July – 11 August).

The Olympic torch is due to arrive in the city in the afternoon after crossing parts of the Nord department, but its route could be delayed due to the strike.

Read more: Day by day: Where the Olympic torch passes in France on its way to Paris