Overview

• SNCF unions have announced a strike starting at 7 PM on December 11, primarily to demand a moratorium on the dismantling of Fret SNCF, a major freight transport operator.
• The dismantling of Fret SNCF, set for January 1, 2025, follows a European Commission investigation into illegal state aid, leading to its replacement by two smaller subsidiaries.
• Unions also oppose the privatization and competitive opening of regional train services, citing concerns over job security and working conditions for affected employees.
• SNCF has promised to reassign the 500 employees not retained in the restructuring process, but unions remain skeptical and are pushing for further negotiations.
• A meeting between union leaders and the government is scheduled for November 27, with unions warning of a prolonged strike if their demands are not addressed.