Striking transport workers in Lyon occupy head office

The strike action began on Thursday with strong support by workers leaving only 58% of metro; 32% of tram and 25% of bus services running. Workers were protesting against management attempts to remove a large number of conditions from their contracts. While management argue that many of these provisions are outdated and that they will not affect working conditions; workers have responded that any changes to the conditions under which they were hired should be compensated.

The unions have deposited a notice of action for a 99 day strike: meaning that workers can legally continue the strike for 99 days as long as they vote to continue action at daily workers' assemblies.The strike follows on from an earlier strike in the year over the same issue.

By Tuesday management were claiming that 65% of services were running, compared to 41% on the first day of action, but at least one tram line and one metro line will not be running for the next few days and the others will be running a limited service. The union are claiming 90% observance while Keolis claim 60%.

Workers took the decision to occupy the building in protest at the failure of management to make concessions during negotiations.