Paris Transport
Page 48
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Piling up Losses DAMS, as well as London and other I British centres, has its labour and financial troubles as regards bus workers. Paris public transport, both surface and underground, is under the joint control of the Municipal Council and the Seine Council.
Surface transport has been losing money for the past 20 years, but until recently, the underground railways made a profit. In these difficult times, however, even the Paris tubes are losing heavily, for the 40-hour week and other inventions of the present wellmeaning French Government have put profit earning out of the question.
The total monthly loss on working. Made by Paris public passenger transB38 port, now runs into millions of francs and all this money has to be made good by Paris ratepayers.
Thus, the financial problem of Paris transport is assuming the attitude of a political one. Members of the left wing, in both councils, want wages to be raised, but do not agree to the same process being applied to fares.
Fares increases have been officially announced both for buses and for the Metro, but the notices have now been withdrawn and matters are at a deadlock.
In the meantime, there is no question of any bus strike in Paris. The men are working shorter hours and receiving their old pay.