Union unrest in France is intensifying as four railway unions have declared an indefinite strike starting on December 11, 2024. The mobilization is a reaction to the government’s decision to dismantle Fret SNCF, the freight transport operator, at a crucial time just before the holiday season. The announcement is stirring apprehension among commuters, travelers, and freight operators alike.
The unions involved — Unsa-Ferroviaire, Cgt-Cheminots, Sud-Rail, and Cfdt-Cheminots — had already scheduled a shorter strike on November 21, extending it from 24 to 37 hours. This initial strike will take place from 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20, until 8:00 AM on Friday, November 22. The subsequent indefinite strike from December 11 hints at prolonged disruptions to the rail system, particularly during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The protest stems from the French government’s decision to close Fret SNCF, the nation’s leading state-run rail freight operator, to avoid steep penalties from the European Commission. The Commission found the company had received illegal state aid, which distorted the market. Instead of repaying the aid, the government opted to dismantle the company, planning to replace it with two new entities operational by 2025: Hexafret, for freight transportation, and Technis, for locomotive maintenance.
The potential fallout from this mobilization is significant. The strikes threaten widespread disruptions to the rail network, especially during the holiday season, when millions travel to reunite with family or go on vacation. The indefinite duration of the strike could lead to cancellations and delays, complicating travel throughout France.
The unions, having already called on members from all SNCF divisions to join the protest, aim to pressure the government for concrete responses and to safeguard jobs. This extended strike marks another chapter in France’s history of social and industrial tensions, where the transport sector often plays a prominent role. These strikes add to an already challenging landscape for French transport, which has faced recent efficiency setbacks due to maintenance and modernization works on the rail network.
