SNCF Strike: CGT-Cheminots to Launch Industrial Action from May 5 Over Pay and Working Conditions

CGT-Cheminots has called on train drivers and conductors to go on strike starting Monday, May 5, getting ahead of a broader movement initiated by other unions, including Sud Rail. The latter had already announced strike dates for May 7, 9, 10, and 11. The mobilization targets the long weekend around May 8, a key travel period in France.

A United Union Front

“What unites CGT and Sud Rail is that the fight begins on May 5,” said Axel Persson, train driver and general secretary of the CGT Cheminots for Trappes and Rambouillet. According to him, the time has come to establish a real balance of power in order to secure salary increases and denounce what unions describe as an “unfair and outdated” work organization.

Pay and Working Conditions at the Heart of the Dispute

The union is demanding an overhaul and increase of the so-called “traction bonus” for drivers and the “work bonus” for conductors—compensation systems CGT considers obsolete and out of step with the increasing workload. “These bonuses, meant to reflect productivity, have remained unchanged even though the number of kilometers we drive has gone up,” said Persson.

Cheminots are also protesting erratic work schedules that they say disrupt their personal lives. “This policy of last-minute shift changes needs to stop. It’s not uncommon to be told you’ll finish work at 2 p.m., only to end up getting home at 8 p.m. That makes it impossible to lead a dignified personal life,” Persson added.

A Strike Poised to Make an Impact

“The time is now. There’s never a ‘good time’ for a strike according to those who oppose them, but the right time is when workers choose to act—and that will be the week of May 1,” said the union leader, predicting strong participation among both conductors and drivers.

Negotiations are still ongoing with SNCF management. As of now, no agreement has been reached. Only a last-minute deal could prevent disruptions during this critical travel period. While trains are still listed on SNCF Connect, service interruptions should be expected if the strike proceeds as planned.