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.
Overview
- 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.