SNCF Strike Disrupts Regional Rail Traffic in Île-de-France
A nationwide strike called by all railway workers' unions in France is set to disrupt local rail traffic in Île-de-France on Thursday, November 21. While the strike will have a minimal impact on TGV services, regional lines are expected to face significant disruptions. The unions, including CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, Sud-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots, are protesting against the dismantling of Fret SNCF, which threatens 500 jobs out of 5,000, and the impending opening of passenger transport to competition.
According to SNCF's forecasts, services will be "normal to almost normal" on lines A, K, L, and P, as well as on trams T4, T11, T12, and T13. However, the situation will be more challenging for several other lines. On line C, passengers can expect only 2 out of 3 trains to operate, while line E will see 3 out of 4 trains running. Lines B, H, and N will experience the most severe disruptions, with only 1 train out of 2 on average. Specifically, RER B will have one train out of two to the north from Gare du Nord, and 3 trains out of 4 from Châtelet-les-Halles.
Traffic on RER D and Transilien R will also be heavily affected, with only 1 train out of 3 expected on average. For RER D, this translates to 2 out of 5 trains on the Creil-Corbeil and Goussainville-Melun routes, and no trains on certain routes during peak hours. Line R will see only 2 out of 3 trains running on the Paris-Montereau-Montargis line, with no service on the Melun-Montereau line.
Background and Future Implications
The strike is a response to the planned restructuring of Fret SNCF, which is part of an agreement between the French government and the European Commission. This agreement follows an investigation into illegal state aid and includes provisions for opening up capital to private investors by 2026. The unions argue that this move constitutes a privatization of the railway sector, although SNCF management claims that the group will retain majority control.
The strike is scheduled to last for 24 hours, with the possibility of a renewable strike beginning December 11. SNCF has assured that there will be no layoffs, as it plans to absorb all workers not retained by the newly formed companies specializing in freight and locomotive maintenance. As the situation develops, passengers are advised to check train schedules in advance and prepare for potential delays.
