French Rail Unions have announced a nationwide strike from 5 to 11 May, targeting scheduling changes and wage dissatisfaction during the busy holiday period. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

French Rail Unions have announced a nationwide strike from 5 to 11 May, targeting scheduling changes and wage dissatisfaction during the busy holiday period
Travellers at Lyon’s Part-Dieu train station. AP – Laurent Cipriani

Train controllers from the Sud-Rail union will walk out on 9–11 May, while train drivers will begin their strike on 7 May. CGT-Cheminots urges staff to join action from Monday.

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At the core of the protest is a new scheduling system. Unions say it alters weekly plans at the last moment, causing major disruptions for employees and reducing work-life stability.

SNCF has promised to give six months’ notice for rest days. But French Rail Unions argue this is insufficient and call for clear, consistent daily schedules.

Wage concerns are intensifying tensions. SNCF proposed a 2.2% average pay raise for 2025. However, unions believe it doesn’t match inflation or the job’s demands.

Train controllers want an additional €100 per month in bonuses. They also demand that this bonus be secured under formal agreement.

French Rail Unions Push for Transparency and Pay Equity

Union leaders stress that staff need reliable schedules and guaranteed compensation. Sud-Rail accuses SNCF of neglecting worker concerns despite prior negotiations.

SNCF insists it met all obligations in past talks. But union members say management lacks accountability and fails to provide satisfactory long-term solutions.

Travel Disruption Grows as French Rail Unions Strike Looms

Booking platform Kombo reports a 50% surge in ticket cancellations for 8 May. Travelers are now choosing buses or carpooling to avoid canceled train services.

Trenitalia, SNCF’s competitor on the Paris–Lyon route, saw ticket sales rise 20%. From June, it will add four daily high-speed trips to Marseille, with fares from €27.

Previous SNCF strikes caused massive delays. In 2024, 150,000 passengers were stranded over a holiday weekend. A December 2022 strike affected 200,000 travelers.

Source: www.rfi.fr

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