Users of Lyon's public transport could need to adjust their routes this Thursday. The CGT, UNSA and CFDT unions at Keolis Bus Lyon are calling for mobilization on October 15, amid tensions over wages and working conditions. The company operates part of the TCL network, notably buses and trolleybuses.
At the heart of the demands: a pay increase to cope with inflation. According to the unions, management indicated that no budget was allocated for salary increases, shifting responsibility to Sytral Mobilités, the transport authority for the Lyon metropolitan area.
Working conditions deemed "extremely degraded"
Beyond wages, staff representatives are raising concerns about the shortage of buses, staffing problems and service deterioration. They mention notably 88 fewer buses and the replacement of 50 articulated buses with standard vehicles
Unions are also reporting discomfort among drivers and passengers during episodes of intense heat in 2026.The lack of appeal of these positions is also concerning employees. According to Rachid Abarkan, representative of the CFDT Keolis Bus Lyon, the number of departures would be almost as high as arrivals, with nearly 400 incoming employees over the period in question.
A gathering planned at Part-Dieu
To make their demands heard, the unions are calling employees to meet Thursday, October 15 at 9am in front of the Sytral Mobilités headquarters, Boulevard Vivier-Merle, in the Part-Dieu district. According to CGT Keolis Bus, 300 employees have already filed a strike notice, a figure likely to increase. The extent of disruptions to the TCL network remains to be confirmed: it's best to check the network's official information before taking the bus on Thursday.