SNCF facing loss because of strikes
Rail operator says its return to profitability could be stalled, after losing €150m during the pensions protests
THE SNCF has warned that it could fall back into the red this year, after losing €150m as a result of the recent series of pensions strikes.
Group president Guillaume Pépy told MPs that the strikes since September would harm the firm's recovery, but did not say what effect this might have on ticket prices.
The French rail operator made a record €1bn loss last year, but returned to profit in the first half of 2010.
The group said in August that it expected to end the year with a surplus, but this has now been revised downwards.
Mr Pépy said the total cost of the strikes to the SNCF was €200m, but the walkouts had allowed it to save €50m in wages and train running fees.
The French rail network was one of the worst-affected industries in the strikes that have hit France since the rentrée.
Yesterday's national day of action against the pensions reform attracted a low turnout, according to figures from the interior ministry, with 52,000 people joining demonstrations around France.
The reform, which sees the retirement age rise from 60 to 62 over the next seven years, officially became law two weeks ago. The measures will come into effect gradually from July next year.
