top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

SNCF strikers clash with police

Unions vote to extend strike action into an eighth day as MPs begin debate on controversial rail reform bill

POLICE and striking SNCF workers clashed briefly outside the National Assembly building before MPs discussed the controversial bill that has sparked France’s longest rail strike since 2010.

Bottles and flares were thrown at officers guarding the entrance to the building this morning, it has been reported.

There is no sign that the dispute will end any time soon, as unions today voted to extend their strike for another 24 hours.

Meanwhile, between 200 and 300 strikers forced their way into the offices of France 3 in Lyon, demanding a live debate with transport minister Frédéric Cuvillier.

And, in Marseille, about 150 union members held their vote meeting in the hall of the city’s Gare Saint-Charles, to show their “pride”.

Earlier, police evacuated passengers at Montparnasse as strikers blockaded the line this lunchtime, throwing flares and smoke bombs to disrupt trains trying to enter and leave the station.

Strikers on the tracks prevented a train entering the station at Nimes this morning, while about 300 protesters staged an hour-long demonstration in Lille’s City Hall

SNCF has said it expects to run seven out of 10 TGV services tomorrow, as well as 50% of intercity trains, six out of 10 TER services, and the same level of service in Ile de France.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France