Monday, November 11, 2024 French rail unions have announced plans to strike in protest of government restructuring policies, raising the possibility of widespread disruptions to Christmas travel this year. The unions, including CGT-Cheminots and Unsa-Ferroviaire, are demanding reforms to protect jobs within the rail freight sector and prevent what they describe as unfair competition within rail operations, according to Railway Supply. In a joint statement, the unions declared an indefinite strike set to begin on December 11.
They are also planning a preliminary three-day strike from November 20 to November 22 to emphasize their opposition to the government’s restructuring of Fret SNCF, the national rail operator’s freight division. Unions argue that the government’s policies threaten public interests and jeopardize thousands of jobs within SNCF’s freight services. The unions are reacting to a government-led plan, developed in collaboration with the European Commission, which would split Fret SNCF into two new entities—Hexafret and Technis—by 2025.
The government asserts this restructuring is necessary to address concerns over state subsidies, but union representatives claim it could undermine job security and essential rail services. Union leaders are urging a temporary halt to the restructuring, calling for further negotiations to ensure Fret SNCF’s stability and protect workers’ rights. They argue that a delay would allow for better solutions that maintain b.