French rail unions announce they will join October 1 strike
Widespread disruption on routes expected as unions call for all rail workers to strike and continue push for massive mobilisation
A widespread strike by workers will take place next week in France
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Two major unions representing railway workers have filed strike motions for October 1, with major disruptions to the French transport network likely.
The CGT (Confédération générale du travail) and SUD-Rail unions both filed motions earlier today, part of a wider general day of strike action called for by unions for next Tuesday.
Read more: French workers called to join mass strike on October 1
Both unions are calling on all workers to join the strike, they announced in a joint press release.
Other rail unions may still file strike notices for their workers for the strike on October 1.
Officially, strike action by railway workers from the two unions will take place between the evening of September 30 (Monday) and the morning of October 2 (Wednesday).
Information on affected SNCF services will be available around 17:00 on September 28 (Saturday), 48 hours before action begins.
End to railway privatisation among demands
Alongside joining the general strike action scheduled for October 1, rail unions are fighting against privatisation of passenger and freight routes.
Strike action will focus on “the plan to liquidate Fret SNCF [and privatise freight rail, which] continues without taking into account the recommendations of the parliamentary commission of inquiry or the demands of the trade unions,” the unions said.
“This is also the case for the creation of TER subsidiaries, which our federations denounce, since nothing obliges management to make this choice other than to undermine the social rights of railway workers.”
Regional rail lines, as well as local Transilien services in the Île-de-France and Intercités routes, are gradually being opened to competition in France, as per European regulations.
Read more: French regional trains suffer unreasonable delays, says consumer group
Other demands listed in the press release include:
An ‘end to the breakup of the social contract’ between government and rail staff
A general pay rise and a ‘genuine’ 13th month of salary for all rail workers, the upgrading/revision of work bonuses and recognition of qualifications for all railway workers
Respect for employment commitments made for 2024, in order to improve production, meet public service needs, and improve working conditions and daily lives of railway workers
An end to cost-cutting plans and austerity policies on the rail network
Repeal of the 2023 pension reforms
Immediate withdrawal of sanctions imposed on staff representatives
Read more: Are French easyJet workers going to strike this week?
