In the end it will be a strike with little follow-up. The SNCF announces “normal” traffic on the TGV inoui and Ouigo network on Thursday 12 December, while employees have been called to strike against the dismantling of fret SNCF. “Traffic could suffer slight disruptions on some regional lines, with a national average of 8 trains out of 10 in circulation on the TER and Transilien lines”, predicts the SNCF, however, referring to the local branches for more precise data.
Only the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions continue to call a strike, while Unsa-Ferroviaire and CFDT-Cheminots surrendered after signing an agreement with the management on the future of freight and rail workers of the TER moved branches by on January 1st. “These agreements give us time to negotiate in the future. We therefore proposed to postpone the social movement, especially since it was received rather poorly by the French as the end-of-year holidays approached. But the CGT and SUD Rail refused,” explains Fabrice Charrière, general secretary of Unsa Ferroviaire.
A poorly attended strike in mid-November
Unsa-Ferroviaire and CFDT-Cheminots, considered reformists, announced that they had obtained guarantees for the 4,500 employees transferred to two subsidiaries on January 1, after the decision to dismantle Fret SNCF, targeted by a European Commission examination into public aid illegal. Rail workers will be guaranteed to retain all their rights for 36 months while they negotiate a new working framework in the newly created companies, Hexafret and Technis.
The strike of 19 November, presented as an “ultimatum” before the renewable movement of December, had little mobilization at the SNCF where the rate of strikers was only 13% and minimal disruption, if not non-existent, on the high-speed network .
how does the split among unions impact negotiations and the future of railway operations in France?
Q&A with Rail Industry Expert: Understanding the SNCF Strike Dynamics
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The recent announcement from SNCF regarding their operations amidst the ongoing strike has raised several questions. Can you explain what led to this strike and its implications?
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The current strike, primarily called by the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions, revolves around the contentious dismantling of Fret SNCF—France’s freight service. The management’s decision is part of a response to scrutiny from the European Commission concerning public aid. This has understandably sparked concern among the workforce about job security and operational changes.
Editor: It’s interesting that the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail continue to push for the strike despite other unions like Unsa-Ferroviaire and CFDT-Cheminots backing off after reaching agreements. What does this mean for the rail workers?
Expert: Indeed, the split among the unions is telling. unsa-Ferroviaire and CFDT-Cheminots have managed to secure guarantees for employees being transferred, ensuring that their rights will be protected for 36 months as they transition into newly created subsidiaries like Hexafret and Technis. However, the refusal by CGT and SUD Rail to back down indicates a meaningful dissatisfaction with how the transition is being handled, which could lead to further tension and potential strikes in the near future.
Editor: The recent strike on November 19 reportedly saw only 13% participation and minimal disruption.What factors influenced this low turnout?
Expert: Several factors can explain the low participation rate. firstly, many employees may have been hoping for a more positive outcome following negotiations, especially with the reforms secured by the reformist unions. Additionally, the timing of the strike, just before the holiday season, likely contributed to a reluctance among workers to participate, given the potential disruptions to their plans and the fact that public sentiment around strikes tends to wane during this period.
Editor: With SNCF predicting “normal” traffic on the TGV inoui and Ouigo networks despite the strike, what does this suggest about the operational resilience of the rail system?
Expert: This suggests a strong operational strategy from SNCF. the resilience can be attributed to efficient planning, whereby high-speed networks remain largely unaffected even with localized disruptions on regional lines. By maintaining communication with local branches, SNCF can effectively manage expectations and ensure that essential services continue to run, reducing the overall impact on commuters.
Editor: given the current climate of uncertainty and upcoming potential strikes, what practical advice would you offer to rail passengers?
Expert: I would advise passengers to stay updated on news from SNCF regarding scheduling and disruptions, especially if they plan to travel around the holidays. Utilizing the SNCF app for real-time updates can be beneficial. Additionally, considering option modes of transport might be wise, especially if travel is critical during peak times. It’s essential to remain flexible and plan ahead to avoid any unforeseen travel inconveniences.
Editor: Thank you for those insights. As the situation evolves, what should we watch for in the coming weeks?
Expert: Keep an eye on union negotiations and any further communications from SNCF. The response from both management and remaining unions will be pivotal in determining whether we’ll see more widespread strikes or if a resolution can be achieved. Additionally,community sentiment regarding the freight changes might influence how the union mobilizes in response,making public perception an essential aspect to watch.
Editor: Thank you for yoru valuable input today. We appreciate your expertise on this critical topic in the rail industry.
Expert: It was my pleasure! Thank you for shedding light on these crucial developments.