France: Nationwide general strike to impact rail service, including Eurostar, December 4-8 /update 1

Event

Several trade unions are calling for a nationwide general strike on Thursday, December 5, to denounce the universal pension system. A number of the participating unions have issued unlimited or renewable strike notices and transport operators are warning passengers to avoid traveling until after Sunday, December 8. The state-owned railway company SNCF has said to expect disruptions to rail services, including the RER, from 19:00 (local time) on Wednesday, December 4. As of Tuesday, December 3, it is not possible to buy a ticket for services on the TGV inOui, Ouigo, or Intercités from Thursday through Sunday. SNCF said that up-to-date information on the strike action will be available at 17:00 on each day starting from Tuesday on its website here. The Parisian public transport operator RATP has also said that there will be disruptions to metro services in the capital. Up-to-date information on affected metro services can be found starting from 17:00 on Tuesday on the RATP website here.

TGV Lyria announced disruptions to its service between France and Switzerland from Wednesday. Representatives of Eurostar confirmed several cancelations from Thursday through Sunday on services to London, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

Widespread transportation disruptions, including delays and cancelations, crowded conditions, as well as increased demand for alternative means of transport, are expected during the strike period.

Advice

Individuals in France are advised to closely monitor developments, anticipate significant transportation disruptions, plan alternative routes and additional travel time, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.