As France braces for a potentially disruptive week of railway strikes, the Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, has voiced his concerns about the growing frustration among the public regarding the ongoing issues at the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français). Speaking on May 2, 2025, he stated that "the French are starting to get fed up" with the situation, particularly in light of the upcoming strikes scheduled from May 6 to May 10, coinciding with the May 8 holiday weekend.
Tabarot's comments come as several categories of railway workers, including drivers and controllers, have filed strike notices, raising the specter of significant travel disruptions just as many are preparing for the extended weekend. The minister highlighted the recent letter from Jean-Pierre Farandou, the SNCF CEO, which addressed the concerns of railway workers.
During his interview on BFMTV-RMC, Tabarot emphasized the financial implications of the strikes, noting that "when we say 'the State puts its hand in its pocket,' it means the taxpayer is paying." He urged for a return to reason, suggesting that the ongoing disputes could be resolved without resorting to strikes.
As travelers begin to seek alternative means of transportation, many are turning to buses or competing train services such as Trenitalia. Tabarot remarked that competition is not a threat to the SNCF but rather a "healthy emulation," although he expressed regret over the deterioration of the SNCF's image among the public. He pointed out that the strikes lead to a "modal shift" to road transport, which is less environmentally friendly than trains.
Tabarot also criticized those who, in his view, jeopardize the SNCF's reputation, stating that they bear a responsibility for the environmental impact and the broader goal of decarbonizing transportation. He argued that the ongoing strikes compromise both public convenience and environmental goals.
In a further effort to manage the situation, Tabarot mentioned that the SNCF would communicate its transport plan over the weekend, ahead of the strikes. He noted that the CGT-Cheminots, the leading trade union at SNCF, has called for mobilization starting May 5, while SUD-Rail has urged drivers to strike on May 7, the day before the public holiday. Controllers are also expected to join the strike on May 9, 10, and 11, as called by SUD-Rail and the CNA (Collectif National ASCT).
Despite the looming threat of strikes, Tabarot remains hopeful that the situation can be resolved. He stated, "I don't know if it will be a week of hassle. We still have all weekend to move forward." However, he has opted not to participate in negotiations to avoid putting undue pressure on SNCF management, believing that they will make the right decisions.
Moreover, Tabarot has proposed a legislative change that would require strikers to declare their intentions 72 hours in advance instead of the current 48 hours. This change aims to give the SNCF adequate time to prepare a transport plan and inform users of any disruptions. He expressed the necessity of ensuring that travelers have timely information, even if it means they may need to alter their travel plans.
As the situation unfolds, the SNCF has maintained that it has fulfilled its obligations during annual negotiations, citing an average salary increase of 2.2% for 2025. However, this figure has been contested by the unions, who argue that it does not adequately address their demands.
Another point of contention involves the work schedules of controllers, who have expressed dissatisfaction with last-minute changes to their shifts. The SNCF has promised to provide six months of visibility regarding rest days, but unions seek more clarity on work hours during service days.
In light of these developments, the Minister of Transport has acknowledged the emotional impact that the potential strike may have on the public, stating, "I know the emotion that this potential strike creates in our country, and we cannot pretend that nothing is happening." He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues constructively to avoid further disruptions to the travel plans of the French public.
As the clock ticks down to the anticipated strikes, both the SNCF and the unions face mounting pressure to reach an agreement that satisfies the needs of the workers while also considering the convenience and expectations of the traveling public. With the May 8 holiday approaching, the stakes have never been higher for both sides.
