French rail strike call: wide-scale disruption expected later this month

Unions representing railway workers have called on their members to strike later in November, with major disruption likely. 

The four main unions – CGT, SUD, CFDT, and Unsa – have called on workers to strike on Thursday November 21, over plans by state rail operator SNCF to dismantle its freight operations and potentially open up the sector to privatisation. 

They are also striking against planned privatisation of local TER routes, and for the French rail system to be modernised. 

“A time of conflict with the SNCF is upon us,” said the unions in a joint press release. 

Exact details of disruption will be confirmed closer to the day, however it is likely that both local and high-speed services will be impacted, as is often the case during wide scale rail strikes. 

Information on train schedules and cancelled services is generally given 48 hours before a day of action, so should be available on Tuesday November 19 in the evening.

Further strikes to come? 

Currently, the unions have only filed a motion for November 21. 

However, they are calling this “an ultimatum” and if the government and SNCF does not respond, they pledge to engage “in strike action that is longer and more disruptive in December.” 

The break-up of SNCF-owned companies that operate regional trains will begin in December, and the end to the SNCF’s current freight service operations – that will be replaced by two distinct companies and potentially see over 500 employees fired – will take place in January 2025. 

This December strike period may see holiday travel affected – in the past, rail workers have not been averse to striking over the Christmas period to maximise disruption.

Read more: Train 'revolution' on its way in France as high-speed market opens to competition