The travelers are starting to know the song: in recent years, it has become common for SNCF staff to tighten the screws as the holidays approach. And just as we are finally brushing against the summer holidays, filled with both joy and sadness, they could be shadowed by some big complications with traveling across France. Because after the air traffic controllers, it’s now the turn of the French railway teams to threaten action.
A threat hanging over travelers
This is the bad news of the moment. Your various summer trips could very well be troubled by the controllers and drivers of the SNCF, who intend to make their voices heard throughout the summer. And even if the involved union is concerned, the...
cute;, SUD-Rail (the second-largest railway union in France) expressed that they "will never bother passengers." In reality, it might be a bit more complicated.🔴🚄 Ouverture des réservations d'été de la #SNCF : SUD-Rail appelle à la grève des opérateurs téléphoniques et des guichetiers. Une "première étape" selon le syndicat. #Telematin pic.twitter.com/uaHfOJKRMZ
— Telematin (@telematin) March 13, 2024
For now, the notice covers the entire summer period, without any further details. The various parties are hoping to keep the suspense going until the end, in order to elicit an effective response from SNCF. Remember, the strikers are required to announce a demonstration at least 48 hours in advance, and they plan to take advantage of this tight timing to prevent the establishment of backup teams, thereby disrupting traffic. And when we know that the rail company has already sold more than 12 million tickets for the summer, it could hit hard...
All united for better working conditions
This strike notice is part of a context of increasing tensions within the company. According to the inspectors, the situation is quite concerning.
All the drivers are facing deteriorating working conditions, unstable schedules, and a salary increase deemed insufficient by the employees. The same reasons that led them to strike in May are, due to a lack of adequate response, motivating them to repeat the operation. The strikers hope to gain various benefits, such as revisions of the work bonus. So on paper, we support them and wish them great courage in their fight. In reality, we would have preferred another time...Le droit de grève est un droit fondamental de la Constitution.
— Aurélie Trouvé (@TrouveAurelie) May 9, 2025
Congés payés, SMIC, assurance maladie ?
Tout a été gagné parce que des travailleurs ont fait grève.
Pourquoi la grève à la SNCF ? Parce qu'elle fait de gros bénéfices sans augmenter les salaires ! pic.twitter.com/QcS1D0lkb2