France: More rail strikes July 19 and July 27 /update 5

Event

Further rail strikes have been called for to take place on Thursday, July 19, and Friday, July 27. Unless the calls are suspended, rail services to, from, and within France are likely to experience disruptions on these two days (reduced services, delays, last-minute cancelations, overcrowding). Increased road congestion is also likely in and around cities.

Rail unions have threatened to hold additional strikes through August.

Context

The strikes, ongoing since early April, have been organized to protest reforms to the national rail system (SNCF) proposed by President Emmanuel Macron and approved by the National Assembly and the Senate in mid-June. The reforms envisage a phased plan to abolish the SNCF's monopoly on passenger rail transportation in France, modifications to the structure of the SNCF to make it a joint-stock company, and changes to SNCF worker contracts to bring them in line with employee protections in other sectors.

Advice

Individuals traveling to, from, or within France by train are advised to confirm rail reservations and timetables on the above dates and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.