Bordeaux Swimming Pools Face Indefinite Strike Over Staffing and Incivility
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An escalating labor dispute has shuttered some public swimming facilities in Bordeaux, France, as reception and maintenance staff demand improved working conditions and increased leave. The indefinite strike, which began on Wednesday, December 10, highlights growing concerns over both physical strain and escalating incivility directed toward municipal employees.
Strike Disrupts Access to Public Pools
The strike’s impact is already being felt by residents. While the Grand Parc and Tissot swimming pools remained open, swimmers encountered closed doors at the Judaica and Galin pools on Wednesday morning. The action is being carried out with the full support of the inter-union, signaling a unified front in the workers’ demands.
Demands Center on Working Conditions and Leave
At the heart of the dispute is a request for 8 additional days of leave per year. Workers argue this is necessary compensation for the challenging nature of their jobs. They cite a range of physical hardships, including consistently slippery floors, the strenuous task of handling equipment used to divide swimming lanes, constant exposure to humidity, and the pervasive presence of chlorine.
However, the demands extend beyond physical concerns. Staff are increasingly reporting instances of verbal abuse and even physical assault from members of the public. “They explain the rules to you, they do your registration, and sometimes it goes badly, because you don’t live in Bordeaux or you don’t have the supporting documents,” explained a representative from the CGT Bordeaux, Patrick Alvarez, illustrating the friction that can arise during routine interactions. One employee reportedly suffered an attack, being assaulted with a key by a frustrated user.
City Hall Responds, But Remains Firm on Leave
The Bordeaux town hall, led by Ecologist Pierre Hurmic, acknowledges the issue of incivility, describing it as a “real subject.” However, officials have indicated they are unwilling to concede to the demand for additional leave. The city points to a recent 50 million euro investment in upgrades to swimming pool infrastructure, including the installation of dechloraminators and improved air treatment systems, as evidence of their commitment to improving working conditions.
Instead of granting additional time off, the town hall plans to focus on enhanced training for its staff, equipping them with the tools to effectively manage and de-escalate confrontations with the public. This approach, however, appears insufficient to satisfy the striking workers, who view the additional leave as a crucial component of a broader solution.
As of today, December 12, the strike continues with no immediate resolution in sight, casting a shadow over access to public swimming facilities in Bordeaux. The situation underscores a growing tension between municipal workers and the public they serve, and raises questions about the resources and support needed to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.
