French court upholds dismissal of school bus driver for safety-motivated route deviations

A French labor court has upheld the dismissal of a school bus driver who was fired for deviating from his assigned route to drop children directly at their homes. Damien Tabard, who drove a school bus in Les Billanges, Haute-Vienne, was let go in 2022 for what his employer, Europ Voyages, deemed "wild stops" and insubordination.

Tabard argued that his actions were motivated by a desire to ensure children's safety, as some had to walk long distances on dark, unmarked roads. He also claimed that such practices had been tolerated in the past. Several parents supported his case, testifying in his favor during the January 2025 court hearing, and pleaded for a "human interpretation of the rules."

However, Europ Voyages, which had recently taken over the public transport contract, insisted on strict adherence to the established itinerary and number of stops. The company's representative stated that Tabard had insulted him when reprimanded. The Limoges labor court ultimately sided with the employer, confirming the dismissal for gross misconduct.

Tabard announced that he does not intend to appeal the court's decision. The ruling emphasizes the importance of following company regulations and established routes, even when an employee believes their actions are for the greater good.