Strikes in France in January 2025 and how you may be impacted

Strike announcements are no surprise in France regardless of the time of year, and it is no different in January. 

Alongside a number of strikes already planned, further disruptions may be announced by unions depending on the upcoming budget of prime minister François Bayrou, especially if cuts are envisaged in certain sectors. 

The list of strikes currently known can be seen below: 

Rail strike in south-west France - December 25 - January 9 

Regional rail (TER) services are affected in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, as both drivers and ticket inspectors are striking. 

The strike action is being held to put pressure on SNCF management over a number of issues at both a local and national level

Disruptions only affect local rail routes, however can be severe with services being cancelled daily. Replacement bus services are sometimes, but not always, available. 

Timetables are updated each evening for the following day, which can be found online through the SNCFConnect website or smartphone application, or local SNCF website.

A national ‘unlimited’ strike by SNCF rail workers – affecting mostly regional routes – is still officially ongoing, but causing minimal disruptions outside of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. 

Read more: Remember: New TGV luggage limits now apply in France

Public transport workers in Rouen – until September

Workers across Rouen’s public transport network (including traditional and rapid bus lines in the city and the metro/tram service) have announced strike action set to last until September 30. 

Whilst services will not be affected every day, workers have the option to strike on any day until October 1.

Issues including non-replacement of retiring staff, overwork, and the poor condition of certain buses are among those cited by unions. 

Information on disruption to routes within the city can be found through the local public transport service website. 

Auchan supermarket workers – since November 7 2024 

Employees of major supermarket chain Auchan have been on strike since November 7, 2024, over the decision to fire over 2,000 staff. 

The unlimited strike currently has no end date in place and is being backed by the CGT union, which is demanding the reversal of all job losses. 

Shops across the country may be affected by the strike. 

Read more: Warning after data of 500,000 Auchan shoppers is targeted in cyber attack

Teaching assistants – January 16 

Teaching assistants, including specialists for disabled children, will strike on January 16. 

Workers cite low pay, arbitrary non-renewal of short-term contracts, and an unfair categorisation of teaching assistants in the education sector hierarchy. Multiple unions are backing the action. 

The strike is national with schools across France affected. 

You can contact your child’s school closer to the time to see the level of disruption, although full closures are unlikely as teachers are not currently set to join the strike.

Teaching unions objected to plans in the now-scrapped 2025 budget of former prime minister Michel Barnier to cut over 2,000 jobs in the sector. 

If new prime minister Mr Bayrou includes these plans in his upcoming budget, it is thought probable that teachers may strike at the start of the year.