A potential strike at SNCF, France's national railway company, looms large as workers prepare for a week of action from May 5 to May 11, 2025. The strike will primarily involve controllers, who are organized in a group supported by the Sud Rail union, beginning on May 8. This action follows a series of negotiations between SNCF management and various unions, which many believe have yielded insufficient responses to their demands.
In an effort to avert the strike, SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou has reached out directly to railway workers through a four-page open letter, which outlines the measures the company has implemented and plans to implement. "We have committed to salary increases that exceed inflation," he stated, also mentioning negotiations for a new salary progression method and an agreement regarding early retirement. However, Farandou emphasized the potential consequences of the strike, warning that it could lead to a loss of trust among passengers, particularly in light of increasing competition faced by SNCF Voyageurs.
"These targeted strikes during the May holiday will penalize thousands of customers," he wrote, urging workers to consider the impact on public perception. Farandou expressed concern that the strikes could fuel dissatisfaction and anger among the French public, ultimately damaging the company's reputation. "Who could blame our customers for choosing another mode of transport in the future?" he questioned.
Sud Rail responded swiftly to Farandou's letter, asserting that railway workers are seeking more than just a letter. Fabien Villedieu, a representative of the union, criticized the management's approach, stating, "We are experiencing a form of strike bashing among railway workers themselves, with some deemed unreasonable compared to those who are not. This is not a serious response to our concerns." He dismissed the argument regarding competition, insisting that it should not prevent workers from mobilizing for their rights.
The upcoming strike will see various professions within SNCF participating at different times throughout the week. Station agents will commence the strike on May 5, followed by technicians on May 6, and train drivers on May 7. The controllers will join the action from May 9 to May 11. Their demands include changes to the unpredictable scheduling, which many workers find frustrating, and a salary increase. SNCF has already announced a 2.2% salary increase for 2025, but this has not satisfied the workers, who are calling for more substantial adjustments.
In a bid to address the scheduling issues, SNCF has promised a six-month visibility on rest days, yet many employees desire a more detailed schedule well in advance of their shifts. A dedicated page for disruptions has been set up on the SNCF website, where customers can find information about cancelled trains. The company has committed to notifying customers of cancellations two days before their scheduled trips.
As the strike approaches, the French public is becoming increasingly wary. Many are turning to alternative modes of transport, with Flixbus reporting a surge in bookings, indicating a 29% increase on the Caen-Paris route and similar rises for other popular routes. Travelers are advised to stay informed about their train schedules, as they may need to check for last-minute changes.
Philippe Tabarot, the Minister of Transport, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the extent of the strike during an interview on TF1. He remarked, "Next week will be crucial," indicating that if SNCF cannot resolve the pre-strike notices, they will need to organize a service that approximates normal operations.
In light of the ongoing tensions, SNCF has organized working groups to address the difficulties surrounding scheduling. These meetings, held on April 28 and 29, aimed to identify and discuss the main challenges faced by workers. Unions have also been invited to participate in initial work sequences in early June to discuss the simplification of bonuses for train managers and drivers.
Despite these efforts, the unions remain dissatisfied. The CGT-Cheminots, the largest union in the sector, has called for an increase in the "traction" bonus for drivers and the work bonus for controllers. They argue that the current compensation structure does not adequately reflect the demands placed on workers. Sud Rail has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of salaries, including a request for a 100 euro monthly increase in the work bonus.
As the May 8 holiday approaches, the anticipation of a "black week" in transport is palpable among the public. A recent CSA poll indicated that 65% of the French population supports a ban on strikes during holiday periods, reflecting growing frustration with ongoing disruptions.
While the unions have issued strike notices, there remains a possibility for negotiations to take place that could avert the planned actions. Sophie Binet, the Secretary General of the CGT, stated that negotiations could still prevent the strike if workers' demands are met. "We can avoid this by negotiating immediately with the unions to ensure that this strike does not occur," she urged.
As the situation develops, travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive regarding their travel plans. The SNCF has advised customers to check their train schedules regularly on the SNCF Connect website and to be prepared for potential disruptions.
