Transport strike upends holiday plans
PARIS: Christmas Eve in France was set to be marred by the nearly threeweek standoff between French train drivers and the government over pension reforms.
Now in its 20th day, the walkout has ruined Christmas travel plans for tens of thousands of ticket holders unable to reach loved ones in time for Christmas Day today.
Workers at the national SNCF and Parisian RATP rail and public transport companies have downed tools to protest at the government’s plan to meld France’s 42 pension schemes into a single points-based one, which would see some public employees lose certain privileges.
There would be no surprises under the Christmas tree for those keen to travel yesterday, with up to 40% of high-speed rail and express regional trains cancelled, along with up to 20% of other trains.
The SNCF has also announced that yesterday evening trains between Paris and its suburbs would be halted. Some lines will reopen this morning, others only on Thursday.
Laurent Brun of the hard-line CGT union, said strikers have a “set of plans to celebrate Christmas” together while maintaining action all week-long.
Talks between the government and unions last week failed to find middle ground, and strikers vowed there would be no holiday truce unless the pension overhaul plan was scrapped.
Trade unions and others involved in the strike will meet with the government on Jan 7 to discuss the pension reforms, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s office said Monday. The talks are set to run through the month of January.
Unions are angry about the government’s plans, which would see some public employees — notably railway staff — lose early-retirement and other benefits. The government insists the new system would be fairer and more transparent.