Rail strikes over Xmas

FOUR unions have said they will strike over the coming festive break.

Action will take place on local levels except for a strike by Sud-Rail – whose overhead line inspectors will be taking part in a national strike.

The walkouts are likely to exacerbate those already taking place in the north east, Paris and south east where drivers are striking against the introduction of new timetables.

Unions are protesting that the SNCF has not employed enough new drivers to cope with the introduction of new timetables which were supposed to come into force in mid-December.

Services could also be disrupted at Chambéry, Béziers and Lorraine.

A spokesman for the SNCF said they were used to strikes at this time of year which allowed workers to stay at home with families at Christmas.