Bus drivers at this Yvelines depot spent Christmas on strike

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Rue des Cayennes, in front of the bus depot based in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (Yvelines), where 100 drivers work, red flags of Force Ouvrière and a Santa Claus have been placed in a tree, not far from a fir tree with balls and garlands. Next to it, a tent erected by striking bus drivers stands.

“It’s better to keep warm,” says Patrick, a 56-year-old Franco-Congolese striker who has been a bus driver for 22 years.

Since November 7, 2024, they have taken turns, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “But be careful, the depot is not blocked,” specifies Abdel, another striker. The buses come out for the 1,000 km technical inspection. »

200 € difference

They are on strike “to preserve the social gains” resulting from company agreements signed during the time of Stivo and Transdev, explains Patrick. The main point of disagreement with the management of Francilité Seine-et-Oise (Fso), a subsidiary of Lacroix & Savac: the hourly rate.

The new management, which manages on behalf of Île-de-France Mobilités (Idfm), 32 bus lines which serve Cergy-Pontoise, Conflans and Achères, wants to set up three salary scales depending on their situation: according to whether they work in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, Conflans or whether they are newly hired.

“They want to discount everything! Even me with my 22 years of seniority, they will arrange for me to lose salary. We all want to get the same pay for the same work. For the same work provided here, you will be paid 200 euros less than if you work at the Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône depot. And I'm not talking about new entrants who will have even less. »

A shortfall

After more than 46 days of stopping work, this Monday, December 23, 2024, for the strikers the loss of earnings is being felt.

“Some are dipping into their savings that they had built up for the holidays. There are even some who have taken another job in the evening to try to keep going, reports Patrick. Since the strike began, each of us has already lost €3,500. »

This situation hits the morale of the troops hard. “Even if it lasts fifteen months, I’m sure we’ll get nothing. It’s the pot of earth against the pot of iron,” laments a striker. “I had to go back to work today because I couldn't hold on anymore…” says a driver nicknamed “Chacha”.

Without forgetting the suicide of one of their colleagues, Ludovic, in mid-December, whom some knew. “With his personal and family situation, it is certain that the strike and the deterioration of the situation did not help him. »

Despite everything, some try to find the positive: “This situation allows us to create solidarity between us, we can get to know each other. Whereas normally, we are always on the road,” reports another driver also named Patrick.

Another reason for satisfaction: the passers-by who stop to provide their support and money for the strike fund.

“This allows us to pay for the coffee,” says Abdel. With this, we will even be able to make a meal for Christmas. »

Contacted, Francilité Seine-et-Oise did not wish to answer our questions.

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