TRAIN services around France are facing severe disruption on March 23 after drivers voted last night to join a national strike.

The CGT, Unsa and CFDT unions have urged members to take part in the industry-wide day of action to defend jobs, pay and pensions.

Two other unions - Sud and Force Ouvrière - say they are considering what action they will take.

The last major rail strike was on February 3, when about a third of drivers walked out over government reforms to the SNCF to prepare it for an opening up of the rail market to competition.

France's official auditor, the Cour des Comptes found in its annual report last month that local TER drivers were working just six hours in an average day.

It said the SNCF needed to improve productivity and efficiency if it is to cope with new competition from rival rail operators - such as Trenitalia - which are looking to launch their own routes in France.

The March 23 strike is part of a national day of action across the public and private sector to protest against the government's proposed pension reforms. Public transport services in Paris will also be disrupted on this day.

Related stories
National strike plan for March 23