France: Unionized public transport workers to stage strike in Lille July 2

Unionized workers employed by Ilevia, Lille's public transport operator, plan to strike on July 2. The purpose of the labor action is to demand bonuses for work related to the upcoming Olympics, and the work stoppage will coincide with the passage of the Olympic Torch through Lille. The planned walkout follows a related strike on June 21 that resulted in public transport disruptions.

Significant Metro, tram, and bus disruptions are likely across Lille during the strike and may linger into the early hours of July 3. Picket protests are possible; authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to the sites of any demonstrations that materialize. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out.