French rail unions threaten to strike, raising the risk of severe disruptions to Christmas travel. They demand changes to protect jobs in freight services and prevent unfair competition in rail operations. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

French Rail Unions Threaten to Strike
The unions also reiterated their call for shorter strike action from November 20 to November 22. / Photo: AP Archive

Union Demands and Planned Strike Dates

The union coalition, including CGT-Cheminots and Unsa-Ferroviaire, issued a joint statement announcing plans to begin indefinite strikes on December 11. French rail unions threaten to strike in protest against the dismantling of Fret SNCF, the freight division of the national rail operator. They argue that current policies harm public interests and affect workers.

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Union leaders are also staging shorter strike actions from November 20 to November 22 to emphasize their demands. This preliminary action underscores their strong opposition to the government’s restructuring plans. Past SNCF strikes have disrupted holiday schedules, causing frustration for travelers and highlighting deep-rooted issues within France’s rail system.

Government Reforms Under Scrutiny

The French government, collaborating with the European Commission, launched a plan to restructure SNCF’s freight services by 2025. This plan will split Fret SNCF into two new entities, Hexafret and Technis, aiming to address state support concerns. Unions argue that the reorganization puts thousands of jobs at risk, with potential consequences for essential services.

Rail union representatives claim a temporary halt would allow further discussions to protect Fret SNCF’s stability. The unions’ statement emphasizes their commitment to finding a path that supports both service continuity and long-term development. They call for negotiations that ensure fair competition without sacrificing workers’ rights.

Strikes Could Impact Holiday Travel

French rail unions threaten to strike, potentially disrupting holiday plans for thousands of travelers. Strikes during Christmas could mirror previous actions, such as those in 2022, which stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers. The potential December strikes underscore the unions’ opposition to freight reforms and competition policies.

Union representatives are resolute in their stance, claiming the holiday period is the only time they can effectively make their voices heard. If no agreement is reached, they warn of a prolonged strike, creating uncertainty for travelers.

Source: www.trtworld.com

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