In Île-de-France, Thursday’s strike called by all the railway unions (CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, Sud-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots) risks disrupting part of the local rail traffic, while this will be ”almost normal on TGVs”.
In the afternoon the railway company provided more detailed forecasts for the Paris region. The service will therefore be “normal or almost normal” on lines A, K, L and P, as well as on trams T4, T11, T12 and T13.
Instead, there will be only 3 trains out of 4 on average on the E line. And only 2 trains out of 3 on average on the C, J and U lines.
Traffic will be even more degraded on lines B, H and N, with an average of one train in two. More precisely on the RER B there will be only 1 train out of 2 northbound from Gare du Nord, 3 trains out of 4 from Châtelet-les-Halles – the traffic will be interoperable, meaning there will be no changing trains.
❗Thursday 21 November – National social movement.
🔴Traffic very badly stopped on the #RERDCreil Corbeil and GoussainvilleMelun axis: plan on average 2 out of 5 trains
CorbeilMalesherbes axis: Plan for 1 in 3 trains (morning and evening rush hours only)
— RER D (@RERD_SNCF) November 19, 2024
Regarding the RER D and Transilien R, on average you should expect only 1 train out of 3. For the D line, only 2 trains out of 5 are expected on the Creil-Corbeil and Goussainville-Melun axes. During the morning and evening peak season, there will only be 1 in 3 trains on the Corbeil-Malesherbes route. There will be no trains on the Juvisy-Corbeil via Ris and Corbeil-Melun via St Fargeau routes.
The R line will also be significantly affected: only 2 out of 3 trains will run on the Paris-Montereau-Montargis route. There will be no trains on the Melun-Montereau route.
A renewable strike
Rail workers’ unions are calling for a 24-hour strike to denounce the dismantling of Fret SNCF, with the elimination of 500 out of 5,000 jobs, and the opening to competition in passenger transport, before a renewed movement starting from 11 December .
The company will be replaced from January 1 by two companies, one specializing in freight transport (Hexafret) and the other in locomotive maintenance (Technis). SNCF has promised zero layoffs by taking over all railway workers not retained in other group companies.
This dismantling is the result of an agreement signed between the government and the European Commission, after the opening of an investigation into illegal state aid paid to Fret SNCF. The agreement signed with Europe also provides for an opening of the capital to the private sector at the beginning of 2026. The unions denounce a privatization, which the SNCF management disputes since the railway group will retain the majority of the capital.
What are the main causes of the ongoing railway strikes in Île-de-France?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Railway Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, everyone! We have an important discussion ahead, as strikes continue to shake up the transport landscape in Île-de-France. Joining us is transportation expert Dr. Elodie Dupont, who has extensive knowledge about the intricacies of railway operations and labor relations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Dupont.
Dr. Elodie Dupont (DED): Thank you for having me! It’s an important issue that impacts many commuters in the region.
TNE: Absolutely. So, let’s dive right in. A strike has been called by all railway unions, aiming to disrupt local rail traffic. Could you elaborate on the potential impacts this strike could have on commuters?
DED: Certainly. Strikes in the rail sector often lead to significant disruptions, particularly during rush hours. While TGV services may remain “almost normal,” local trains—or Transilien services—are already seeing reduced frequency. For example, only 3 out of 4 trains will be running on the E line and just 2 out of 3 on the C, J, and U lines. For many commuters, this means longer wait times and a potential struggle to get to work on time.
TNE: That sounds quite stressful, especially for those who rely on punctuality. Which lines do you believe will be the most affected?
DED: Without a doubt, lines B, H, and N are anticipated to be the worst affected, with only about 50% service. For instance, on the RER B, commuters can expect just 1 train out of 2 heading north from Gare du Nord. Meanwhile, those relying on the RER D will experience an even greater impact in terms of frequency. It can be a real challenge navigating these delays.
TNE: It sounds like a logistical nightmare for those depending on the rail services. But what do you think the root of these strikes is? Is it simply about labor conditions, or are there broader issues at play?
DED: The strikes often stem from a combination of factors. Labor conditions, staffing shortages, and lingering issues related to service quality are common motivators. Many of the unions are not only advocating for better wages but also for improved working conditions for the employees. Ultimately, these strikes highlight the frustrations of both workers and commuters regarding the reliability and quality of rail services.
TNE: That’s insightful. Shift gears for a moment—do you think there’s a long-term solution here, or are strikes going to be a recurring theme for the railway sector in Île-de-France?
DED: It’s hard to predict, but there needs to be a concerted effort from both the government and the railway companies to address the underlying issues. Investing in infrastructure, ensuring adequate staffing, and regular dialogues with unions can help resolve grievances before they escalate into strikes. However, without that proactive approach, we may continue to see waves of unrest.
TNE: Important points to consider. for commuters facing this strike chaos, do you have any practical advice on how they can navigate their travel?
DED: Yes, absolutely! I recommend that commuters check the latest service updates from the SNCF website or app, explore alternative routes, or consider flexible work arrangements if possible. Carpooling, cycling, or even working from home occasionally could provide relief during such disruptions. Awareness and preparation are key to managing travel during strikes.
TNE: Wise words, Dr. Dupont! Thank you once again for sharing your expertise with us today. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon for everyone involved.
DED: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to these ongoing challenges!
TNE: That concludes our interview today. Thank you for tuning in, and stay informed as the situation develops in Île-de-France.