French Rail Unions Protest Company Fragmentation and Industry Reforms

French Rail Unions are intensifying their protest efforts against reforms that fragment SNCF’s operations. They argue these changes weaken worker cohesion and threaten public service integrity. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

French Rail Unions Plan Strikes Over Industry Restructuring

The unions, including CGT, UNSA, SUD-Rail, and CFDT, are planning major strike actions starting November 21. Another rolling strike is scheduled to begin December 11, emphasizing workers’ resistance to recent changes.

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These strikes target the 2018 law that transformed SNCF into a limited company owned by the state. The law reduced SNCF’s €35 billion debt but split its operations into smaller subsidiaries, such as Fret SNCF.

Union leaders say this fragmentation weakens organizational cohesion while accelerating privatization. Liberalization efforts will further impact employees, with rail workers transferred to new subsidiaries by January 2025.

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Fret SNCF, a leader in France’s rail freight sector, faces restructuring due to EU directives. With 5,000 employees, the company must adjust to regulatory requirements, further straining industry resources.

Union leader Thomas Cavel insists mobilization is crucial for protecting workers’ rights during ongoing changes. While reversing reforms seems impossible, unions remain committed to ensuring fair wage negotiations.

This protest is not just about internal restructuring; it reflects broader tensions surrounding privatization. French Rail Unions hope to preserve public service values while adapting to a competitive future.

Stay updated as French Rail Unions continue their efforts to protect workers’ interests and national rail cohesion. These protests underline the stakes involved in reshaping France’s transport landscape.

Source: www.lemonde.fr

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