On May 9, 2025, the SNCF faced disruptions as approximately 60% of train conductors declared a strike on the first day of a planned three-day walkout. This strike, called by the SUD-Rail union and the Collectif national ASCT (CNA), aimed to demand an increase in work bonuses and better management of scheduling, which workers claim is often altered at the last minute.
Despite the strike, SNCF announced it would maintain a robust service, planning to run more than nine out of ten TGVs across France. The company reassured passengers that they could travel to their destinations as scheduled, even amid the labor unrest. "All travelers will be able to travel on the scheduled day to their destination," stated a spokesperson from SNCF.
As the strike continued into Saturday, May 10, the management anticipated that the strike participation rate would exceed 60% before returning to Friday's levels on Sunday, May 11. They projected that 96% of TGV services would operate normally throughout the weekend.
To mitigate the impact of the strike, SNCF deployed volunteers—mainly company executives—who underwent a day of special training to fill in for the striking conductors. Additionally, SNCF Voyageurs offered a 50% discount voucher for future trips to all customers whose trains were canceled due to the strike.
Regional trains, which can operate without conductors, were expected to run normally on both Friday and Saturday, as were Intercités trains. The Île-de-France network, which includes several suburban lines, also anticipated normal traffic levels.
The ongoing labor disputes at SNCF are not isolated incidents. The CGT-Cheminots, the largest union representing railway workers in France, has already planned to extend their mobilization into June. They have called for a strike on June 4 for drivers, coinciding with a round table discussion regarding their bonuses scheduled for June 5. Additionally, they have announced a broader strike on June 11 for all categories of railway workers, focusing on salary increases and improved working conditions.
Earlier this week, a separate strike by drivers instigated by the CGT-Cheminots resulted in significant disruptions on regional lines, particularly in areas such as Hauts-de-France and Île-de-France. According to SNCF Voyageurs, during the recent strike, approximately nine out of ten TER (regional express) trains operated, while around eight out of ten Transilien (suburban) trains ran, although this varied by region.
On May 7, SUD-Rail reported that about 40% of drivers were participating in the strike nationwide, with up to half of the regional trains being canceled in Île-de-France alone. This situation highlights the growing unrest among railway workers regarding their working conditions and compensation.
As the strike unfolds, the SNCF remains committed to minimizing disruptions for its passengers while navigating the complexities of labor relations. The company’s proactive measures, including the use of trained volunteers and financial incentives for affected travelers, aim to balance operational continuity with the legitimate concerns raised by their workforce.
The outcome of these labor actions could have significant implications for the future of SNCF and its employees, as well as for the millions of passengers who rely on the railway for their daily commutes and travel across France. The railway sector's ability to respond to these challenges will be closely watched in the coming weeks.