As France approaches the week of May 5 to May 11, 2025, travelers are bracing for potential disruptions in train services, particularly with the upcoming public holiday on May 8. The unions Sud Rail and CGT have announced strike notices, leading to what has been termed a "semaine noire" or black week for train travel. This announcement was made by Fabien Villedieu, the federal secretary of Sud Rail, during an interview on France Info on April 23.
The CGT has called for a strike starting on May 5, while Sud Rail has specifically invited train conductors to join a strike on May 7, the day before the holiday. SNCF, the French national railway company, has warned its users that train traffic for TGV Inoui and Ouigo services may be disrupted during this period due to the social movement. Passengers are advised that the transport plan could be adjusted and will be confirmed the day before their departure, starting at 5 PM.
In anticipation of the strikes, many travelers are already seeking alternatives. The French platform Kombo, which allows users to compare and book trains, buses, flights, and carpooling, has noted a significant shift in booking behavior. There has been a 20% increase in Trenitalia ticket sales on the Paris-Lyon route since the strike announcement, alongside a 50% rise in cancellations of SNCF tickets for May 8 compared to usual data. Additionally, bus ticket sales on the Paris-Lyon and Paris-Lille routes have surged by 25% for the same date.
Why are the unions calling for a strike? The primary issues at stake include salary negotiations and working conditions. The CGT-Cheminots is advocating for a reform of the work bonus for train conductors, while the management maintains that they have fulfilled their obligations during annual negotiations, citing an average salary increase of 2.2% for 2025. However, unions contest this figure, claiming that the actual general increase is only 1%. Moreover, there are ongoing disputes regarding changes to work schedules, with controllers criticizing last-minute alterations to their work and rest days.
Sophie Binet, head of the CGT, expressed a willingness to suspend the strike notice if the demands of railway workers are met before May 5. She stated on LCI on April 27, "We can spare ourselves this by negotiating; I call on the SNCF management to negotiate immediately with the unions." Meanwhile, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot noted on April 24 that some unions seem unwilling to move towards de-escalation.
On April 30, Tabarot softened his earlier stance, acknowledging that certain union demands could be legitimate, particularly regarding work schedules. He stated, "Next week will be decisive," indicating the potential impact of the strikes on the upcoming holiday travel period. However, he remains firm against salary increases, emphasizing that he does not want to pressure SNCF into making costly concessions. He highlighted that the company's profits are intended for network investments and that it has already granted several raises to its employees in recent years.
As the week of May 5 approaches, travelers are becoming increasingly anxious about the possibility of canceled trains. Those who have purchased tickets for this period are advised to stay vigilant. The SNCF has indicated that if a train is canceled, passengers will be contacted via email or SMS, but travelers should also check the status of their trains on the SNCF website or app.
For those with tickets, exchanges and cancellations are possible before the originally scheduled departure, even for non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets. However, travelers must take action themselves, as TGV tickets are not automatically canceled. The SNCF has encouraged passengers to manage their bookings proactively, especially during this uncertain period.
On the ground, the situation is evolving rapidly. Kombo has reported a notable increase in bus and alternative transport bookings as travelers seek to avoid the anticipated disruptions. This includes a 29% uptick in reservations for the Caen-Paris route, a 25% increase for Lyon-Marseille, and a 27% rise for Marseille-Nice.
As the unions prepare for what could be a significant strike, the SNCF is also working to maintain service levels. Philippe Tabarot has emphasized that if the social movement cannot be calmed, the company will need to organize a service that approaches normal operations. The strike is set to coincide with the busy holiday period, which could heavily impact travelers looking to reunite with family and friends.
The stakes are high for both the railway workers and the traveling public. With 65% of the French population supporting a ban on strikes during holiday periods, according to a recent CSA poll, the pressure is mounting on both sides to reach an agreement. As of now, the future of train services remains uncertain, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the anticipated disruptions will materialize.
In summary, as the week of May 5 approaches, the potential for a major strike by SNCF workers looms large, driven by unresolved disputes over wages and working conditions. Travelers are urged to stay informed and consider alternative travel options as the situation develops.
