why Moulins bus drivers are on strike

In Moulins, in Allier, the strike of urban bus drivers continues. Since the beginning of November, they have been organizing walkouts twice a week. Equipment, salaries and their working conditions are at the center of the demands.

Eight out of ten lines are affected by the strike movement in the Moulins area. Drivers and controllers have stopped work for 55 minutes a day, twice a week, since November 4. “For now, it’s okay, it’s not too disturbing,” explains a passenger who goes to Yzeure. “I am in solidarity with them, if they can win their case,” explains another user.

Disengagements are generally scheduled when starting work. Line A, which crosses Moulins from north to south, is the most affected. It serves a middle school and a high school. The demands relate to wages, working conditions and even equipment. Some buses are considered too small. Abdel Lemmouchia, driver-receiver for Kéolis: “People are crowded, especially in the morning services when middle and high school students take the bus. I’m afraid that one day an accident will happen and it will be too late.”

The management of the transport company specifies that all buses must be replaced. This will depend on the renewal of the urban community in September 2025. Another demand of the strikers concerns cuts between two services. Jean-Marc Collott, CGT Kéolis-Moulins union representative, adds: “We also claim an amplitude of 7:30. There, sometimes, we reach 13 hours of amplitude. This can't go on any longer. The days are exhausting.” A point that management says it is ready to study. The strikers are increasing the pressure. They are planning three days of action next week instead of two.

Tags France