Nationwide strike has limited effect

40% of teachers to strike, near-normal service on TGVs. Full details of what the May 27 strike means for you

FOUR in ten teachers will be taking part in Thursday's national industry-wide day of strike action, according to estimates from the biggest teaching union, Snuipp.

Six unions are calling on members to take part in the 24-hour industrial action to protest at the government's pension reforms, including plans to delay the retirement age - currently 60.

Force Ouvirère is the only main union not involved - its members will be holding their own strike day on June 15.

The SNCF estimates that most long-distance train services will not be affected, however some disruption is likely on local TER routes.

Trains: The SNCF expects to run a near-normal service on long-distance TGV routes, except Paris-Nice and Paris-Nantes where a third of trains will be cancelled. Expect about two-thirds of Corail services to run, 75% of regional TER trains and 80% of Transilien services in the Ile-de-France.

Other public transport: Paris metro, bus, tram and RER A should be operating a normal service. Half of RER B trains cancelled. Normal service in Marseille except on buses, where some routes will be running at 60% normal capacity.

School: About 40% of teachers will be on strike, according to the biggest teaching union Snuipp. A minimum level of service should be in place.

La Poste and France Télécom: Four unions are calling on members to take part in the strike. Mail deliveries will be affected.

Elsewhere: Expect disruptions at tax offices, local councils and courts.