Get ready for potential Christmas travel chaos in France as rail unions are gearing up to strike, throwing a wrench into holiday plans. The unions, including CGT-Cheminots and Unsa-Ferroviaire, are fiercely opposed to government policies that they say threaten the future of the freight rail sector and its workforce.
The strikes, set to begin on December 11th, are a direct response to the government’s restructuring plan for Fret SNCF, the national rail operator’s freight division. This plan, developed in collaboration with the European Commission, aims to split Fret SNCF into two new entities: Hexafret and Technis by 2025. While the government claims this restructuring is necessary to address concerns over state subsidies, the unions paint a different picture, arguing that it will lead to job losses and unfair competition within the rail industry.
The unions are demanding reforms to protect jobs within the freight sector and ensure a level playing field for rail operations. To emphasize their opposition, they’ve planned a preliminary three-day strike from November 20th to November 22nd. They’ve also called for an indefinite strike starting December 11th, a move that could severely disrupt holiday travel plans for thousands of passengers.
This isn’t the first time SNCF strikes have disrupted holiday travel. Similar strikes in 2022 left hundreds of thousands of travelers facing delays and cancellations. While the unions acknowledge the potential disruptions, they argue that striking during the busy holiday season is the only way to leverage their concerns and bring pressure on the government.
As negotiations continue, travelers planning to travel through France during the Christmas holidays are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of further strikes and last-minute travel adjustments.
With just a month remaining until the December strike date, the pressure is on for both sides to reach a resolution that addresses the unions’ concerns while ensuring the smooth functioning of the French rail system. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the Christmas travel plans of thousands but also shape the future of France’s rail industry.
