As the clock ticks down to the anticipated strike by railway workers in France, the Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, assures the public that a transport plan will be delivered this weekend, aimed at mitigating disruptions during the upcoming holiday period. Speaking on BFMTV on May 2, 2025, he expressed cautious optimism, stating that a massive strike next week is still "avoidable." He emphasized the importance of ongoing negotiations between the SNCF management and the unions, despite his own absence from the discussions.
"I don't know if it will be a week of trouble; we still have the whole weekend for things to progress," Tabarot said, hinting at the urgency of the situation. The unions, however, are pushing for more substantial negotiations, particularly regarding salary increases and working conditions. Julien Troccaz, the federal secretary of Sud-Rail, called for the minister to apply pressure on SNCF management to engage in real negotiations rather than directing it towards the unions.
As the situation develops, the CGT-Cheminots union has called for mobilization starting May 5, 2025, while Sud-Rail and the CNA collective have scheduled strikes for May 9, 10, and 11 for controllers, with drivers set to strike on May 7. The SNCF management has firmly opposed the salary increases demanded by the unions, claiming that they have adequately fulfilled their obligations during previous negotiations.
The upcoming strike is fueled by a variety of grievances, including irregular work schedules and late changes to working hours that have left many controllers frustrated. While Tabarot has shown some willingness to address scheduling issues, he remains firm on salary matters, stating that the unions seem intent on confrontation.
In a letter to SNCF employees, Jean-Pierre Farandou, the head of SNCF, highlighted the company's recent efforts, including an average salary increase of 2.2% for 2025, which he claims exceeds inflation rates. He pointed out that since 2022, average remuneration has risen by 19.6%, despite inflation increasing by 14.1%. Furthermore, SNCF has made 7,200 new recruitments this year, marking a significant growth in workforce numbers.
However, Farandou warned that ongoing strikes could severely damage the SNCF's reputation and lead to a loss of trust among passengers. "The dissatisfaction of the French people, even their anger, will be great. We will lose their trust," he cautioned, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public confidence in the railway system.
As travelers prepare for the holiday weekend, many are bracing for potential disruptions. The strike is expected to primarily affect TGV INOUI and OUIGO services, while the Intercités line connecting Paris and Clermont-Ferrand is not directly impacted. Nevertheless, SNCF Voyageurs has advised passengers to check train schedules frequently, especially as disruptions may begin as early as May 5.
Travelers are urged to verify train statuses on the TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes website or other mobility applications, as SNCF has indicated that some services may face delays. Sud-Rail has reported that up to 55% of drivers on the RER D and R lines have filed strike notices, indicating a significant potential for service interruptions.
In light of the looming strike, many passengers are reconsidering their travel options. Reports indicate a surge in bookings for alternative transportation, with Flixbus seeing increases of 29% on the Caen-Paris route, 25% for Lyon-Marseille, and 27% for Marseille-Nice compared to last year. The urgency for alternatives is palpable, as travelers seek to avoid the chaos that often accompanies railway strikes.
As the weekend approaches, the SNCF is expected to provide a clearer picture of the situation. An initial traffic forecast will be released on Sunday, with updates likely to follow as the strike date draws nearer. The Minister of Transport has reiterated that the situation remains fluid, and he hopes for a resolution that could avert the strike altogether.
Despite the minister's optimism, union leaders remain skeptical. Fabien Villedieu, secretary of Sud-Rail, emphasized that the unions have not seen genuine negotiations take place. He stated, "We can still negotiate this weekend. The management has our number; they can reach out to us for a real meeting, and if they do, there will be no strike next week."
Travelers are advised to stay vigilant and monitor updates closely. The SNCF has committed to notifying passengers of any cancellations or changes to their schedules at least two days in advance, and those affected will receive notifications via SMS or email. The company has also assured that exchanges and cancellations will be permitted without fees during this period, even for tickets that typically do not allow changes.
As the situation unfolds, the potential for a "black week" on the rails looms large. With the holiday weekend just around the corner, the stakes are high for both the SNCF and its passengers. The outcome of the negotiations over the next few days will be crucial in determining whether travelers will face significant disruptions or whether a resolution can be reached to maintain service continuity.
