Paris – June 10, 2026: The four major SNCF labor unions CGT Cheminots, UNSA Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, CFDT Cheminots are staging a nationwide strike on June 10. The cause of this strike is insufficient wage increases despite inflation and the growing subsidiary creation by the national railway company, which, according to the unions, negatively affects workers.
Specifically, the unions criticize that despite 1.7% inflation from March 2025 to March 2026, SNCF wages increased by only 0.18%. They point out that the one-time payment of 400 euros made in December 2025 is inadequate compensation. This has caused significant dissatisfaction among employees, which is being expressed through today’s strike.
Besides wages, subsidiary creation is at the center of criticism. SNCF is establishing more and more subsidiaries, and the unions see this as causing the fragmentation of the company, restricting workers’ rights, and worsening working conditions. Strike participants demand an end to this trend and warn of further negative consequences.
This strike is having a serious impact on train operations. On high-speed train (TGV) routes, about one-third of trains have been canceled, and on Intercités routes, around half have been suspended. Regional and commuter trains have been particularly hard hit, and competitive pressure is increasing. SNCF expects widespread operational restrictions, causing significant inconvenience for daily commuting and long-distance travel.
The four unions have stated that they will continue the strike if company management does not propose negotiable solutions. A union meeting is planned for June 11, 2026, to discuss future strategies. This conflict represents the first major test for SNCF’s new CEO Jean Castex, appointed since November 2025.
Castex is under pressure to respond quickly to demands to stabilize labor relations and SNCF operations. His response could be a critical turning point for the company facing railway market liberalization and new challenges. The unions are demanding wage increases along with socially acceptable SNCF adjustments and guaranteed working conditions that reflect competitive pressures.
This strike is significant not only economically but also politically. In France, transport policy and social issues traditionally receive great attention and require swift responses. It will be closely watched in the coming days whether the new leadership can reach a compromise to avoid further strikes.
Sources
- Franceinfo