Second union backs May train strikes in France

A second major rail union is calling on workers to strike in May, with severe disruption expected to train travel across France. 

The railway branch of the CGT union has officially called on drivers and other workers to walk out on May 5 in a dispute over pay levels, bonuses and ‘unpredictable’ working hours.

It comes as the largest representative of train conductors SUD-Rail is also calling on workers to walk out on May 7, and ticket inspectors plan an additional weekend of strike action on May 9 - 11.

Combined, these strikes are set to cause major disruption to those planning to ‘faire du pont’ and take a long weekend following the public holiday on Thursday May 8. 

Outbound and return journeys alike may face delays or cancellation due to the strike action.

Travellers with tickets booked are sometimes warned in advance via text or email if they are to be impacted by disruptions. 

Otherwise, information on affected services is made available the evening before (around 17:00). 

You can check if your journey is to be affected using the SNCFConnect website and looking for your route, or local SNCF websites showing timetable information.

SUD-Rail is also threatening a wider strike across May and the start of June, and the CGT called on other workers in the sector to walk out in its announcement.

Read more: Six-week strike notice raised by major French rail union

Strike action by rail conductors are particularly impactful in France – it was the cause of widespread disruption during the 2022 Christmas period.

‘Battle for higher wages’ 

Despite the slight difference in strike dates, “what the CGT and Sud Rail agree on is that the battle will start on May 5” said CGT union secretary and train driver Axel Persson to media outlet FranceInfo. 

As the strikes bleed into each other, disruption could last several days as state rail operator SNCF struggles to provide adequate travel.

Minimum service rules mean some trains will run, but these will be unable to cope with the increased demand from holiday travellers. 

“There is unanimous agreement among the drivers and inspectors that the time has come to start the battle for higher wages,” he added. 

Alongside disputes over pay “the policy [from state rail operator SNCF] of constantly trying to change working hours at the last minute in order to adapt existing understaffing to staff management” is another reason for worker dissatisfaction.

In addition, driver bonuses are ‘archaic’ and “have not been increased even though the number of kilometres we cover at the head of our trains has increased… [they] are supposed to reward productivity,” said the union rep. 

Drivers also want changes to the ‘traction bonus’, paid out due to the logistical challenges drivers may face, and more similarities between statutory and contracted workers.

A final condition for drivers is an improvement to end-of-career payouts and bonuses. 

‘Never a good time to strike’

“There will never be a good time on the part of those who oppose strikes. The right time for a strike is when the employees have decided to go on strike,” said the driver.

“Management has a month to find a solution.” 

If an agreement is reached, strike action will be called off. 

The six-week strike planned by SUD-Rail may also be cancelled if wider negotiations for workers are successful. 

This strike will not see all workers down tools for six weeks, but allow those who wish to enact strike action to do so anytime throughout the period.

Recently, major strikes over the break-up of the SNCF’s freight services were averted due to agreements between workers and unions.