Anticipated Impacts of the 8 May Bridge Attack
Week of Disruption Ahead: SNCF Strike Looming from May 5th to 11th
Get ready for some turbulence on the rails, folks! The rail union reps and SNCF management are locked in a standoff over salary negotiations and better working conditions. This powwow, or lack thereof, has left the doors wide open for transportation disruptions from Monday, May 5th to Sunday, May 11th. With the 8th of May holiday around the corner, this popular travel week for the French is about to get a whole lot rockier.
Controller Strike Calls from Multiple Unions
On May 9th, 10th, and 11th, controllers are being rallied to join the picket line by SUD-Rail, the third-largest SNCF union. But they won't be alone. The ASCT National Collective (CNA) has thrown its weight behind the strike call, making a significant impact as this is the collective that led wide-scale mobilization in December 2022 and February 2024.
CGT-Cheminots, the largest union, is also jumping on board, urging mobilization from May 5th. SUD-Rail is also inviting maintenance agents to join in on May 6th and conductors on May 7th, the eve of the holiday.
SNCF Voyages Holds the Line
When our team contacted SNCF Voyages, they seemed unfazed by the looming conflict. They expressed confidence in their upcoming circulation forecasts for the week and promised to share initial trends over the weekend and detailed predictions Mid-week.
Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best
With the unions gearing up for a showdown, disruptions are expected to hit hard from Monday and intensify during the bridge. SNCF Voyageurs has prepared for the worst by modifying terms of exchange and refund for travel during this period. If you had planned to travel with TGV Inoui from May 5 to 11, you can cancel your ticket for a full refund or exchange it for another train without extra costs.
Ice to Germany, TGV Lyria, TGV Inoui, or Spain, Brussels, or Luxembourg services might also face issues. Remember, refunds aren't automatic and are at your discretion. And for Ouigo, you can cancel your ticket for a full refund in voucher form or exchange it for another Ouigo train, but only via the Ouigo website or app.
For TER, if your TGV Inoui or Ouigo is cancelled and you have a connecting journey, you can cancel your regional ticket for free up to the day before travel on your purchase channel, with a few exceptions that can be found on your ticket details.
Stay Aware and Adaptable
SNCF asks travelers to stay vigilant and check updates regularly to avoid any last-minute surprises. You can find out about the departure status of your train by entering your train number and departure date here. Two days before your trip, if your train is not running, SNCF will reach out to you via email or SMS and offer alternative solutions.
So, buckle up and hold tight! This looks to be a bumpy ride ahead. Keep an eye on SNCF's website for updates and be ready to adjust your travel plans accordingly. Happy travels!
- The controllers' strike called by SUD-Rail, CGT-Cheminots, and supported by the ASCT National Collective will commence on May 5th and continue until May 11th, coinciding with a popular travel week in France.
- Maintenance agents are invited to join the strike on May 6th, and conductors on May 7th, the day before a holiday, which could intensify transportation disruptions during the strike period.
- Despite the looming strike and potential disruptions in the transportation industry, SNCF Voyages remains hopeful and assures travelers that they are preparing detailed circulation forecasts for the week.
- Travelers are advised to stay updated on the departure status of their trains, as refunds and exchanges may be offered in case of cancellations, and to check SNCF's website regularly for any updates related to the strike, in order to adapt their travel plans accordingly.
