French Rail Workers Plan Strikes Over Company Fragmentation

Rail unions protest against SNCF's restructuring and potential impact on workers, with strikes set for late November and December.

Rail unions are organizing a strike on November 21, followed by a potentially indefinite strike starting December 11.
The unions oppose the division of SNCF into subsidiaries, a move influenced by EU competition rules and past state aid issues.
Fret SNCF, the freight division, will be split into two entities, Hexafret and Technis, by January 2025 to comply with EU directives.
SNCF's CEO argues the strikes are unnecessary and assures no layoffs will occur despite restructuring.
The broader context includes rising social unrest in France, with various sectors facing economic challenges and potential strikes.