Monday Traffic Chaos on RER B, C, and Transilien Lines, but Normal on Most Others: SNCF Strikes Ahead
Disruptions to traffic significantly impact RER lines B and C in Ile-de-France, causing severe congestion on Monday.
Get ready for a bumpy ride on Monday, May 4! According to the SNCF schedule, traffic on RER B and C, as well as Transilien lines N, U, and V, is expected to be severely disrupted. On the other hand, RER A, the most frequented line, is forecasted to operate relatively normally. However, on RER E, traffic will be slightly affected, with four out of five trains expected to run, and line H is predicted to experience disruptions with some cancellations, except between Pontoise and Creil.
SNCF Personnel Striking for Better Conditions and Anticipation of Schedules
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT-Cheminots) and the Socialist Union of Railways (SUD-Rail) have called multiple categories of SNCF personnel to strike from Monday. They are demanding improved salaries and schedules, which are often changed at the last minute, as well as better working conditions.[1][5] The May 8 weekend could see even more mobilization after the Collectif national ASCT (CNA), an influential collective of controllers, joined the call to strike.
"Normal Circulations" for TGV until May 8
Despite the strikes, SNCF Voyageurs claims that disruptions on TGV services will be limited during the week, with Christophe Fanichet, the CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, stating, "We are far from a black week, there will not be a week of stoppages, but a week as normal as possible."[4] TGV services are predicted to run normally from Monday, May 5 to Thursday, May 8, and most trains will operate during the controllers' strike on May 9, 10, and 11.[4]
However, passengers are encouraged to stay updated on changes by checking their SNCF email or SMS alerts, as some cancellations or delays could occur due to the strikes. In addition, all tickets for TGV InOui and Ouigo are refundable or exchangeable without fees for the week of May 5 to 11.[4]
Prepare for gradually worsening disruptions leading up to the May 8 public holiday. Travel during the May 9–11 weekend is predicted to face the highest risk due to concentrated controller strikes.[1][5]
[1] SNCF strike: Unions call for industrial action from May 5[2] SNCF Traffic in Ile-de-France to be "Strongly Disrupted" on Monday[3] France: A chaotic week for the SNCF[4] SNCF: RER B and C will be severely disrupted on Monday[5] SNCF strike: Tense week ahead on the rails
- The transport sector in France faces significant disruptions on Monday, May 4, with the RER B, C, N, U, and V lines expected to be severely affected, according to the SNCF schedule.
- The disruptions are due to strikes by SNCF personnel, represented by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT-Cheminots) and the Socialist Union of Railways (SUD-Rail), who are demanding better conditions, schedules, and working conditions.
- However, the TGV services are predicted to operate relatively normally until May 8, although passengers are encouraged to stay updated on changes due to potential cancellations or delays.
- The May 8 public holiday could witness further disruptions, and travel during the May 9–11 weekend is predicted to face the highest risk due to concentrated controller strikes.
- The strikes and subsequent disruptions in the transportation industry could potentially affect the finance and politics sectors, as the industry is interconnected with various sectors of the economy.
