All SNCF unions called a 24-hour strike, then a second renewable one starting from 11 December.
The impact of the SNCF strike scheduled for Thursday is expected to be rather limited. Despite the movement, on the appeal of all railway unions, rail traffic will continue “almost normal on TGVs” While “Some disruptions are expected on some regional lines”SNCF Voyageurs announced on Tuesday.
The company will announce more detailed local forecasts Tuesday afternoon. Rail workers’ unions call a 24-hour strike on Thursday to denounce the dismantling of Fret SNCF and the opening to competition in passenger transport, before a renewable movement starting from 11 December.
The movement of anger was triggered by the confirmation, in early November, of the dismantling of Fret SNCF, France’s leading rail freight company, with the loss of 500 out of 5,000 jobs. 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.
Opening of capital to the private sector in 2026
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. “We cannot let all this pass without doing anything”says Fabien Villedieu, federal secretary of Sud-Rail. 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. “It is a privatization process in the broadest sense”said the general secretary of CGT-Cheminots Thierry Nier. “The same process applied to Freight will apply to travelers tomorrow”continues.
Unions are concerned about the process «subsidiary» in the TER since from 14 December around 1,200 railway workers from Amiens, Nice and Nantes will be transferred from SNCF Voyageurs to dedicated companies that have won tenders announced by the regions for the TER market. The transferred railway workers will maintain some advantages (pension rights, travel concessions, etc.) but will also see the entire organization of their working hours reorganized, in order to increase productivity. “There is a very strong awareness (among railway workers) that these structural changes are obviously not going in the right direction”assures the general secretary of the CFDT-Cheminots, Thomas Cavel.
How is SNCF addressing the concerns raised by the unions regarding job security and service quality?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Railway Expert
Time.News Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today we have a special guest, Dr. Marie Lefevre, an expert in transportation economics and labor relations. She’s here to shed light on the recent developments surrounding the SNCF strike. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lefevre.
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen all SNCF unions calling for a 24-hour strike, followed by a renewable strike beginning December 11. What’s driving this wave of action from the railway unions?
Dr. Lefevre: The primary issue is the dismantling of Fret SNCF, which is France’s largest rail freight company. This decision is expected to lead to significant job losses—500 out of 5,000 jobs—raising concerns about job security throughout the rail sector. Unions are rallying to protest what they view as unfavorable changes that threaten the integrity of the industry and the livelihoods of workers.
Editor: The unions insist that this strike is not just about immediate job security, but also concerns about the broader implications of opening up passenger transport to competition. How might this change the landscape for SNCF?
Dr. Lefevre: Exactly. The call for opening the capital to private sector investment, particularly by 2026, poses a fundamental shift in how SNCF operates. The unions fear this could lead to a decrease in service quality, as private companies may prioritize profit over public service. Additionally, competition may undermine the social protections that rail employees currently enjoy.
Editor: We’ve read that rail traffic will be “almost normal” for TGVs, with some disruptions expected on regional lines during the strike. How effective do you think this strike will be in terms of its impact?
Dr. Lefevre: It’s a measured action, but its effectiveness will depend on public support and the ability of unions to maintain pressure. While TGV services may remain largely unaffected, the fact that regional lines might see some disruptions can still draw public attention to the unions’ cause. If they can mobilize extra support, particularly from communities reliant on these regional services, the strike could gain more traction.
Editor: What have been SNCF’s responses to these protests and the resultant actions from the unions?
Dr. Lefevre: SNCF has promised zero layoffs due to the changes associated with the restructuring. They have stated that all workers not retained in new companies will be absorbed into other parts of the organization. However, the unions are skeptical about these promises since past pledges haven’t always translated into reality. Trust is a critical issue here, and the unions are determined to ensure that their concerns are taken seriously.
Editor: It sounds like a complex situation with many stakeholders involved. Considering the potential for a prolonged strike, what impacts might this have on daily commuters and the general public?
Dr. Lefevre: A prolonged strike could create significant inconveniences for commuters who rely on regional travel for work or school. While TGV services might remain largely operational, many individuals rely on regional lines for their daily commutes. The resulting disruptions could strain public sentiment, leading some to feel frustrated with both SNCF and the unions. Public response can heavily influence the negotiations moving forward.
Editor: As we look towards December 11 and beyond, what do you see as the next steps for both the unions and SNCF?
Dr. Lefevre: Negotiations will likely intensify as the strike date approaches. The unions will want to see measurable commitments from SNCF regarding job security and working conditions. Conversely, SNCF must navigate these demands carefully, balancing operational viability and public expectations. The broader political context surrounding transportation and labor reform in France will also play a critical role in shaping the outcome.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lefevre, for your insights into this unfolding situation. It’s clear there are many layers to this conflict within SNCF and its unions, and we look forward to following how it develops in the coming weeks.
Dr. Lefevre: Thank you for having me! It’s an important conversation, and I hope for a resolution that honors both the workers and the public they serve.