Five months after their last mobilization, the new strike, this Tuesday by two SNCF unions is not expected to gain significant support. The railway company anticipates “almost normal” operations. TGV services will not be affected at all. “Some regional trains (TER and Transilien) and certain Intercity services may experience slight disruptions,” according to SNCF Voyageurs. Line-by-line forecasts will be released on Monday, September 30.
This labor action is initiated by the CGT Cheminots and SUD Rail. These two organizations are participating in the interprofessional day called by the CGT to demand, among other things, the repeal of the 2023 pension reform. The other two railway unions (Unsa Ferroviaire and CFDT Cheminots) are not participating, as their national leadership does not support the CGT’s actions.
They also criticize the “liquidation” of FRET SNCF
The CGT Cheminots and SUD Rail take this opportunity to advocate for issues specific to their circumstances. Following a demonstration on September 26 in front of the Ministry of Transport, they intend to again denounce what they describe as the “liquidation” of FRET SNCF. The European Commission has accused the SNCF Group’s subsidiary of receiving 5.3 billion euros in illegal aid from the French government. The government stated that the liquidation was initiated to shield the company from legal action.
In addition to demanding a “moratorium” on Fret SNCF, the unions are denouncing the establishment of TER subsidiaries in response to the competition opening, and are also calling for “a general salary increase, along with a genuine 13th month salary for all.” This matter will be addressed in the coming weeks during the required annual negotiations (NAO), set for late October and early November. According to the four unions representing the railway company (CGT Cheminots, Unsa Ferroviaire, SUD Rail, CFDT Cheminots), SNCF management has already indicated there will be “no or few” salary increases due to the slowdown in inflation.
Five months after their last mobilization, the new strike, this Tuesday of two SNCF unions does not appear to be very popular. The railway company expects “almost normal” traffic. TGV links will absolutely not be impacted. “Some traffic could be slightly disrupted on certain regional trains (TER and Transilien) as well as certain Intercity connections,” says SNCF Voyageurs. Line by line forecasts will be communicated on Monday, September 30.
This social movement is the initiative of the CGT Cheminots and SUD Rail. The two organizations are aligning themselves with the interprofessional day, at the call of the CGT to demand, among other things, the repeal of the 2023 pension reform. The two other railway unions (Unsa Ferroviaire and CFDT Cheminots) are not participating, since their national leadership is not committed to the CGT.
They also denounce the “liquidation” of FRET SNCF
The CGT Cheminots and SUD Rail take the opportunity to defend issues specific to their situation. After a demonstration on September 26, under the windows of the Ministry of Transport, they want to denounce again the “liquidation”, in their words, of FRET SNCF. The European Commission accuses the subsidiary of the SNCF Group of having received 5.3 billion euros in illegal aid from the French state. The liquidation was triggered, according to the government, to protect the company from prosecution.
In addition to a “moratorium” on Fret SNCF, the unions denounce the creation of TER subsidiaries, to respond to the opening to competition, and also demand “a general increase in salaries, the granting of a real 13th month for all”. This subject will be addressed in the coming weeks, during the obligatory annual negotiations (NAO), scheduled for the end of October and beginning of November internally. According to the four unions representing the railway company (CGT Cheminots, Unsa Ferroviaire, SUD Rail, CFDT Cheminots), the management of the SNCF has already suggested that there would be “no or few” increases at the key, given the slowdown in inflation.
Impact of the Ongoing Strike
The social unrest caused by the SNCF union strike raises numerous questions regarding the impact on both commuters and the broader transport system:
- Normal TGV Services: TGV links are confirmed to remain unaffected, ensuring long-distance travel continuity.
- Regional Services Disruption: Certain local services, including TER and Transilien trains, may experience some delays.
- Intercity Connections: Customers using Intercity services should check for possible minor disruptions.
Key Issues Raised by the Unions
The CGT Cheminots and SUD Rail unions have raised several critical issues that highlight the ongoing challenges within the SNCF organization:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 Pension Reform | Demands for the repeal of the recent pension reforms which unions argue are unfavorable to workers. |
| FRET SNCF Concerns | Allegations regarding the liquidation and loss of jobs in the freight division of SNCF. |
| Salary Increases | Calls for a general salary increase and the establishment of a 13th month pay. |
| TER Subsidiaries | Opposition to the creation of separate TER subsidiaries to comply with competition laws. |
What Commuters Need to Know
For commuters and travelers planning to use SNCF services during the strike, it is crucial to stay informed:
- Check Real-Time Updates: Use the SNCF website or app for live updates on train schedules and service disruptions.
- Plan Ahead: Consider alternative travel routes or modes of transport to avoid potential delays.
- Be Prepared for Busy Trains: TGV and other non-affected services may see increased passenger volume; arrive early to secure seats.
Future Outlook and Negotiations
The unions’ call for action aligns with upcoming negotiations on labor terms scheduled for late October and early November. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence future union activities and the general sentiment within the SNCF workforce:
- Annual Negotiations: The NAO process is vital for discussing salary increments and labor conditions.
- Union Solidarity: There remains a division between the participating unions and those abstaining from the strike, which may impact collective bargaining.
- Government Response: The results of the negotiations may necessitate a response from the French government regarding labor relations in the transport sector.
