Call for French train strike in May, just before many take long weekend
One of the main unions representing drivers is urging widespread action
The union is the largest representative of drivers on the French rail network
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A major rail union in France is calling on workers to stage a widespread one-day strike on May 7, casting doubt on travel plans on the eve of a major public holiday and long weekend.
SUDRail has called the strike on behalf of train drivers in the union, who want improved driver bonuses and a simpler method of calculating them.
The union is the largest representative of drivers on the French rail network, with approximately one-third of train operators in its ranks.
However, it is also calling on other unions in the sector to join the walkout (lasting from 18:00 on May 6 to 08:00 on May 8), including non-drivers and others in the rail sector.
This could cause havoc on what is expected to be a hugely busy day for France’s rail operator SNCF.
Holiday plans ruined?
May 7 is a ‘normal’ Wednesday, however Thursday May 8 is a public holiday in France.
As it falls on a Thursday – and because workers in France usually need to use up their remaining annual leave by the end of May – many people are likely to ‘faire le pont’ and take May 9 as a holiday day so as to have a four-day weekend.
Read more: France’s public holidays in 2025 make it a good year for 'strategic' time off
This would see them travel late on Wednesday to reach their holiday destination, or perhaps even take that day off as well to travel.
A widespread strike would severely impact such plans and threaten holidays.
Further spring strike action expected
SUDRail has already filed a strike motion covering April 17 - June 2, however this is only a préavis, warning that it may ask workers to walk out during this time (and even then, not all workers are likely to be on strike for the entirety of the movement).
Read more: Six-week strike notice raised by major French rail union
This action on May 7 is a separate matter, with the union actively calling on all workers to participate on the day in question.
However, there is a chance for negotiations to conclude beforehand and the strike to be lifted.
“Faced with the growing number of reports showing that our traction bonuses are almost systematically being cut in line with reorganisations, (...) the federation has filed a request for immediate consultation to alert management,” the union said on the matter.
“We are giving management almost a month to open negotiations,” it added.
