France: More rail strikes May 18-19 and May 23-24

Event

Domestic rail services as well as international Eurostar and Thalys trains will face disruptions on May 18-19 and May 23-24 due continued strikes by French rail workers. Delays and cancelations are to be anticipated these four days, the latest installments in a long-running series of strikes currently set to continue through June. Within France trains running on high-speed lines (TGVs), the Transilien network (Greater Paris region), TER networks (regional trains), and Intercités (inter-city) networks will all be affected, with only one out of four trains operating on some lines.

More information can be found on the websites of the SNCF (French national rail operator), Eurostar, and Thalys.

Context

The SNCF strikes have been organized to protest reforms to the national rail system proposed by President Emmanuel Macron. Among the reforms are a phased plan to abolish the SNCF's monopoly on passenger rail in France, modifications to the structure of the SNCF to make it a joint-stock company, and changes to SNCF worker contracts to bring them in line with employee protections in other sectors.

Additional rail strikes will take place on the following dates: May 28 and 29; June 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, and 28. This is in addition to a national public sector strike taking place May 22.

Advice

Individuals in France are advised to confirm rail reservations and timetables and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.