The French president is to push through drastic reforms to France’s vast state rail system. This will entail cutting rail workers’ special employment rights – tackling one of France’s riskiest political issues.
So far, any question of overhauling the SNCF state railway company has proved particularly controversial. The train network came to a virtual halt for several weeks when trade unions opposed changes to rail staff’s benefits in 1995.
However, the government is determined to forge ahead. The French prime minister, Édouard Philippe, said that the government would quickly push through changes by special executive decree without a vote in parliament if necessary.
Trade unions are now discussing possible strikes on 12 March and will join bigger public sector strikes on 22 March.
Bemoaning the situation, the prime minister has stated that France’s rail situation was alarming and untenable. He further said:
“Whether or not they take the train, the French are paying more and more for a public service that works less and less well.”
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