Public transport service disrupted
Fewer trains and buses are running around the country due to protests against the government’s austerity plan
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AROUND 200 protests marches are being organised around France today, with strike disruption expected, notably in transport.
The rail workers’ unions CGT cheminots and Sud-Rail announced possible strike action up until 8.00 tomorrow (Wednesday).
The public transport workers in 29 large towns also announced intentions to strike. They include Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Strasburg. In some towns, such as Nîmes and Lorient, there are plans just for a minimal stoppage of no more than 55 minutes (which allows strikers to avoid being docked a full day’s pay).
About four out of five TGVs leaving Paris are running, apart from the TGV-Atlantique (three trains out of five) but only half of provincial ones. Only about half of the daytime Intercités trains will run and there will be no Lunéa trains tonight.
On the Transilien network around Paris only about 40% of services will be running at rush hours and there are also disruptions on the RER.
On average about two out of three local TER services will run.
For the most part the Paris metro will run as usual.
Warning was also given of possible action in schools, though according to the Education Ministry participation by teachers is expected to be minimal.
Various large firms are also expected to be short-staffed due to strikes, such as EDF and GDF-Suez, Renault, Airbus and Perrier.
The general message is in opposition to the recent austerity package, but precise demands vary according to the sector.
• For news of disrupted services on the trains, call 0 805 90 36 35
