France: Rail workers agree to resume work on January 20 /update 12

Event

The Unsa-RATP railway union announced on Saturday, January 18, that workers have voted to return to work on Monday, January 20. Metro rail service in Paris and the national SNCF rail network have experienced significant disruptions since the strike started on December 5, 2019. According to union leaders, most workers agreed to suspend the strike to “recharge” and engage in different types of actions. While Paris metro rail service is expected to return close to normal levels on Monday, some unions on three lines have decided to continue striking.

Further strike actions are possible in the near term, along with associated demonstrations.

Context

Thousands have protested across France since December 2019 to voice their opposition to the planned pension reform scheme. Subsequent ongoing nationwide strikes have caused significant disruptions to all forms of transportation. Strikes may resume if the government does not abandon its proposed pension reform plan.

Advice

Individuals in France, particularly Paris, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.