French rail unions have announced plans for strikes starting December 11, potentially disrupting Christmas travel. The unions oppose government restructuring of the national rail operator’s freight division, Fret SNCF, fearing job losses and unfair competition. The strikes could cause widespread travel disruptions, echoing past holiday season strikes that left thousands stranded. Negotiations are underway to address union concerns and prevent potential holiday travel chaos.
National rail strikes by train drivers will enter a third summer with a series of “rolling” walkouts, one region at a time, during May. The strikes aim to halt thousands of trains on May 7, 8, and 9, 2024, targeting commuters who typically travel to work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), representing 14 rail firms in England, will be impacted by the disruptions. Additionally, six days of overtime bans from May 6 to 11 will cause further cancellations. The dispute between train drivers and rail firms stems from disagreements over pay and working arrangements, with drivers demanding a pay increase to address inflation and rail firms seeking changes to working practices to reduce costs.
