France Rail Strike: Limited Impact Amid Storm & Snow Disruptions

A national rail strike in France on Tuesday, January 13, is expected to have a limited impact on services, according to operator SNCF, as unions demand significant pay increases. However, the industrial action coincides with widespread travel disruption caused by severe weather, as Storm Goretti and heavy snowfall force separate service suspensions and speed restrictions across the country.

Main Body:

France’s national rail operator, SNCF, is bracing for a nationwide strike on Tuesday, January 13, called by the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions to mark the start of mandatory annual wage negotiations (NAO). Despite the call for a walkout, SNCF has announced that disruptions are expected to be minimal. High-speed TGV services, including InOui and Ouigo, as well as Intercités trains, are scheduled to operate as normal on both domestic and international routes. Regional transport is forecast to be “almost normal,” with the main impact concentrated on specific lines within the Île-de-France and Occitanie regions. Passengers are advised to verify their journeys via the SNCF Connect platform and other official channels.

While the strike’s direct impact may be contained, SNCF’s network is simultaneously under pressure from severe weather conditions battering Western Europe. Storm Goretti has already forced the operator to suspend several services in western France, where wind gusts are expected to reach up to 160 km/h. Concurrently, heavy snow and ice across northern and western France have prompted SNCF to warn of widespread disruptions and delays. The operator stated that “snow on the tracks is forcing us to limit train speed and cancel trains or adjust traffic,” a measure that is also affecting international services such as the Eurostar between Paris, London, and Brussels.

The industrial action stems from a deep disagreement over employee compensation. Unions argue that a €400 bonus paid in December and other social agreements are insufficient. SUD-Rail is demanding a €400 per month salary increase for all staff and a standardized 13th month’s salary, a package it estimates would cost €1.2 billion against SNCF’s projected 2025 profits of around €2 billion. CGT-Cheminots is calling for a 12% pay rise and improvements to working conditions. In response, SNCF management states that wages have risen 16% over the last three years, significantly outpacing the cumulative inflation of 8.1% over the same period—a claim the unions dispute.

Key Takeaways

• Limited Strike Impact: High-speed TGV and Intercités services are expected to run normally, with minor disruptions limited to regional lines in Île-de-France and Occitanie.
• Dual Disruption Threat: Passengers face a “perfect storm” of potential delays, with the planned strike compounded by separate cancellations and speed restrictions caused by Storm Goretti and heavy snowfall.
• Contentious Negotiations: A significant gap exists between union demands for substantial pay rises (up to 12% or €400/month) and SNCF’s position that recent wage growth has already outpaced inflation, signaling a challenging negotiation period.

Editor’s Analysis

The situation at SNCF is a microcosm of the immense pressures facing European rail operators. On one hand, there is a clear mandate to expand rail as a sustainable alternative, requiring massive investment and operational stability. On the other, operators are caught between rising operational costs, post-pandemic financial recovery, and a workforce demanding compensation that keeps pace with inflation. The fact that this labor dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of climate-related disruptions from Storm Goretti underscores a critical future challenge: balancing workforce demands with the urgent need for capital investment in infrastructure resilience. How SNCF navigates these dual pressures will be a bellwether for the wider European rail industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which train services will be most affected by the strike on January 13?

According to SNCF, the impact will be minimal on national services. High-speed TGV (InOui, Ouigo) and Intercités trains are expected to run as normal. Disruptions will be primarily limited to certain regional lines in the Île-de-France and Occitanie regions.

What are the main demands of the striking unions?

The CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions are demanding significant wage increases and improved benefits. Key demands include a 12% pay rise (CGT) or a €400 monthly increase (SUD-Rail), the implementation of a universal 13th-month salary, and improvements in working conditions and recruitment.

Are there other factors affecting train travel in France right now?

Yes. Severe weather is causing significant, separate disruptions. Storm Goretti has led to service suspensions in western France, while heavy snow and ice in northern and western parts of the country are forcing SNCF to impose speed limits and cancel some trains, affecting both domestic and international routes.