French Train Conductors Strike Impacts UK Skiers
16th February 2024
The CEO of train operator SNCF has warned that the strikes will affect ski resorts as many head to and from the Alps for the school holidays. UPDATED
In one of the busiest weekends of the season France is experiencing major rail travel disruption.
It is expected only half of high-speed TGVs will run over the weekend as up to 90% of ticket inspectors go on strike.
Trade unions are taking action over what they claim is slow progress by SNCF’s management after an agreement for better benefits and pay.
Management says it has increased wages, added extra jobs and introduced the agreed bonuses.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that he respects the right to strike, but opposed the timing during winter holiday period.
Strikes started on Thursday evening and are continuing over the weekend.
Bourg St Maurice, France. Image © PlanetSKI
The SNCF CEO, Jean-Pierre Farandou, said he saw no reason to “disrupt the lives of French people who want to go on holiday”.
“We will try to run all the trains that head to the Alps and the Pyrénées for the winter holidays,” he said.
The action is affecting Eurostar services too.
“Due to a train manager strike in France, we’ll be running a revised timetable on our routes until Sunday 18 February,” Eurostar said in a statement.
Eurostrat is not involved in the dispute, but many passengers booked on its trains between London, Paris and Lille will be planning to connect to or from SNCF services.
It is offering passengers due to travel to and from London on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the option to exchange their ticket for free.
“Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting trains,” said the UK Foreign Office.
It is the latest industrial action to hit skiers and snowboarders, as earlier this month French farmers blocked roads to the Alps and the Pyrenees.
It caused long delays for some people, but the situation is now resolved:
