SNCF Faces Limited Strike as Holiday Travel Concerns Loom

French rail unions protest wage offers and restructuring plans, with potential December strikes threatening Christmas travel disruptions.

The SNCF strike on November 21 saw limited participation, with most TGV services running normally but regional and commuter lines experiencing disruptions.
The strike follows SNCF's proposal of a 2.2% salary increase for 2025, exceeding the projected 1.5% inflation rate, which unions are deliberating whether to accept.
Unions are also protesting the restructuring of SNCF's freight division and the creation of regional subsidiaries for TER services, citing concerns over job security and working conditions.
Transport Minister François Durovray announced that future salary negotiations will move to January to avoid disruptions during the holiday season, urging unions to act responsibly.
SNCF leadership is working to avert a potential December 11 strike, which unions have hinted could escalate and disrupt travel during the critical Christmas period.