The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) has recently intensified its efforts to counter an increasingly widespread practice among some of its employees: combining their employment with that of VTC driver, particularly during their sick leave. This situation, in addition to being expressly prohibited by the company for safety reasons, has given rise to growing concerns in terms of absenteeism and deterioration of public service.
According to information reported by RMC, several bus and metro drivers have been identified working as VTC drivers during their rest time or during sick leave. In response, RATP management initiated disciplinary proceedings against thirty agents who were spotted in this situation. Jean Castex, former Prime Minister and current CEO of RATP, highlighted the importance of this issue, saying that reinforced controls were in place to detect and sanction this behavior.
The RATP justifies its position by highlighting safety considerations, emphasizing that it would be impossible to guarantee compliance with the maximum driving times and required rest periods if a driver also works as a VTC driver. In addition, this phenomenon leads to a shortage of drivers on bus and metro lines, directly impacting the quality of service offered to users.
The employees concerned are exposed to severe disciplinary measures, ranging from dismissal to revocation, in addition to reimbursement of compensation received during their sick leave. This action is part of a broader effort by RATP to combat absenteeism, a persistent problem exacerbated by the health crisis.
Jean Castex also stressed the need to rely on unions to resolve this issue, saying that excessive absenteeism harms both the company and its employees. As part of its initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life at work and attracting new talent, RATP is even exploring solutions such as the four-day working week in certain sectors of activity.
