Tram staff call trousers strike

Drivers object to new uniform that is ‘too like gendarmerie’ and makes them ‘look like clowns’

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TRAM and bus drivers in Marseille have called a strike for June 3 – because they do not like the new uniform trousers that they are being forced to wear.

The CGT union said that members did not like the colour – too like the gendarmerie – the fit or the material of the new trousers sent to all 1,600 staff. It said the strike would not just be about the trousers but would include many other grievances.

Other unions share the views on the trousers but not to the extent of joining the strike. The CFDT said that drivers were unhappy because they “made them look like clowns” and said that members would continue to use the old-style trousers with the new-style shirts.

At FO, the spokesperson said they “looked like EDF staff” but said it would be better to get round the table to discuss things than to strike.

City transport chief Karim Zéribi said he hoped they could avoid a strike as that, he told journalists, would make Marseille “a laughing stock”.

Screengrab: La Provence/Cyril Sollier

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