Rail strike in France: SNCF expects limited disruption

A rail strike in France is taking place on Tuesday, January 13, but SNCF says disruption should be limited, as reported by Railway Pro.

SNCF says the industrial action called by the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions should not significantly affect long-distance services.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

TGV high-speed trains — including InOui and Ouigo — are scheduled to run as normal on domestic and international routes. Intercités trains are also expected to operate without major disruption, in line with details shared by The Connexion.

Rail strike in France: where disruptions are expected

For regional journeys, SNCF forecasts traffic that will be “almost normal”, with disruptions limited to certain lines in the Île-de-France and Occitanie regions.

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SNCF annual wage negotiations (NAO) and unions’ demands

The walkout coincides with the start of the mandatory SNCF annual wage negotiations (NAO) between management and employee representatives. SNCF points to a EUR 400 bonus paid in December and the extension of some social agreements, while the unions say the measures are not sufficient.

SUD-Rail is calling for a EUR 400 per month wage increase for all employees, along with a standardized 13th month’s salary. It estimates the cost at EUR 1.2 billion, which it considers sustainable given expected profits of around EUR 2 billion for the rail operator in 2025.

CGT-Cheminots is seeking a 12% pay rise, a 13th month’s salary for all employees, and changes aimed at improving working conditions and recruitment policies.

SNCF management says rail workers’ wages have increased by 16% over the past three years and that at least 95% of employees have received rises of 14% or more, while cumulative inflation over the same period was 8.1%. The unions dispute these figures, arguing that wage growth has been artificially capped.

Recommendations for travelers

SNCF advises passengers to check their journeys through the company’s official channels, including the SNCF Connect platform and its traffic information page.

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