France: Unionized rail workers to strike nationwide from Dec. 11 /update 2

Unionized rail workers plan to strike nationwide from 19:00 Dec. 11. Labor unions will denounce reforms to the national rail operator SNCF's freight business. Labor unions state that the action will be "unlimited"; it is not known how long the strike will last. Significant rail disruptions are likely nationwide, but particularly on the Transilien network, namely the H, N, and R lines, and on the RER B and D rail lines.

As of Dec. 6, the UNSA-Ferroviaire and CFDT-Cheminots unions have withdrawn their earlier support for the industrial action. However, the CGT (with the largest membership) and Sud-Rail unions plan to continue with the strike.

Unless averted, the strike will likely heighten the demand for alternative modes of transport across France; increased congestion is possible on services that do operate. Striking workers will likely protest at rail network hubs and government buildings across France. Authorities will likely deploy increased security to monitor the protests and to mitigate any associated transport disruptions. Violence is unlikely.