Passengers at Paris’s Montparnasse train station faced disruption as a 24-hour strike by workers at France’s national rail operator, SNCF, affected services across the country.
Images from the busy station showed largely empty platforms, while travelers checked arrival and departure boards for updates on delayed or cancelled trains. Many passengers were forced to adjust their travel plans as rail services operated on a reduced schedule.
The strike was called by the four main unions representing SNCF workers CGT-Cheminots, Unsa Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots. Union leaders are demanding a halt to the ongoing liberalisation of France’s rail sector, arguing that increased competition could threaten jobs and working conditions.
Workers are also calling for higher wages to help offset the impact of rising living costs and inflation. The unions say salary increases have not kept pace with the growing financial pressure facing employees.
SNCF warned ahead of the strike that train services would be disrupted and advised passengers to check schedules before travelling. While some routes continued to operate, the industrial action affected services on several regional and national lines.
The latest strike highlights continuing tensions between rail workers and management over the future of France’s rail network, as debates continue over market reforms, labour conditions and employee pay.
Authorities urged travelers to remain informed and allow extra time for their journeys as efforts continue to minimise disruption during the walkout.