The national collective of controllers for the French railway company SNCF has indicated plans to strike between April 17 and June 2, 2023, if their demands are not addressed.

Represented by the SUD-Rail union, the third largest union at SNCF, they are responding to what they describe as unsatisfactory working conditions exacerbated by a recently implemented software system.

Despite weeks of internal discussions, management has not provided adequate responses to their concerns.

SUD-Rail announced on March 24 that it has filed a strike notice to facilitate potential action, though no official strike call has been made as of yet.

This situation arises during a critical period, coinciding with the spring holidays and a series of public holidays in May. The proposed strike action is poised to impact travel during weekends, specifically from Thursday evenings to Monday mornings.

The Minister of Labour, Health, and Solidarity, Catherine Vautrin, made public comments emphasizing the need for citizens to enjoy their lives during this time, reinforcing the government’s position on minimizing disruption.

In contrast, SNCF management has attempted to reassure the public, stating that not all strike notices lead to actual strike action.

The potential for renewed labor unrest has generated concern among commuters and holiday travelers, highlighting ongoing tensions between SNCF management and its employees.