State-owned transit operator finally bows to pressure
PARIS (Reuters) — As northern Europe swelters, Parisian bus drivers have won a years-long battle: the right to wear shorts during a heat wave.
French public officials generally wear formal uniforms, and employers show little flexibility.
But, bowing to longstanding staff requests, state-owned transport operator RATP will allow its 15,000 drivers to wear bermuda shorts or skirts from June to September when temperatures rise above 28 Celsius.
"It has been a recurring conversation every year and this year, surprise, we got them," said bus driver Abdelkader Arioua.
Men — who make up 90 per cent of the drivers — will receive trousers that can be turned into shorts with a zipper, while women will receive skirts.
