SNCF Unions Warn of Safety Risks and Strike Over Ouigo Train Conditions

SNCF unions criticize the low-cost Ouigo model, citing safety concerns, hygiene issues, and aging trains, while the company defends its practices.

Three unions representing SNCF workers have raised alarms about the deteriorating state of Ouigo trains, citing safety risks, hygiene problems, and aging equipment.
Unions claim that insufficient maintenance and the high usage of Ouigo trains, which operate 15 hours daily and cover 700,000 km annually, have led to worsening conditions.
Specific issues reported include damaged axles, recurring technical failures, and the presence of pests such as cockroaches, though SNCF disputes the severity of these claims.
The unions have announced a planned demonstration at Gare de Lyon on Friday, January 10, and are threatening a strike if their demands, including improved maintenance and a €1,000 bonus for workers, are not met.
SNCF has defended its safety protocols, announced enhanced cleaning measures, and confirmed plans to modernize the Ouigo fleet by 2027 with additional and updated trains.