SNCF unions warn that the strike scheduled for November 21 represents an “ultimatum”: if the government and company management fail to meet their demands, a more widespread protest movement could follow in December

On Tuesday November 5, all the SNCF unions, including CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, Sud-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots, announced this day of mobilization after discussions with management on sensitive issues, notably the dismantling of Fret SNCF. In their press release, entitled “l’heure est au conflit à la SNCF” (“Time for conflict at SNCF”), they underline their concern at recent decisions, and warn of their determination to obtain concrete answers.

Among their concerns, the unions strongly oppose what they describe as the “liquidation of Fret SNCF”, and denounce the increasing privatization of TER, Transilien and Intercités services, as well as the restructuring of SNCF Réseau due to the opening up to competition. In December, some SNCF Voyageurs employees will begin to be transferred to new subsidiaries, created to respond to tenders launched by the regions for the operation of TER lines. The unions see this as a threat to the unity of the public group, and fear that their social benefits will be called into question.