The strike to the SNCF started this Monday May 5, 2025 Open a week under high tension. While railway unions have raised the tone by demanding working conditions reviewed and revalued bonuses, the management of SNCF travelers tries to reassure: no “dark week”, we promise. However, the perturbations Ajoil this Monday on several major lines this Monday, fueling the uncertainty of users. In the background, a latent conflict on remuneration, working time management and the organization of the railway service.
A strike for the remuneration and dignity of the schedules: pWhat do the railroad workers strike?
At the origin of the movement, a subject as technical as it is revealing: The traction bonus. This compensation, paid to drivers according to complex criteria (kilometers traveled, type of train, timetables, motorization …), is deemed inequitable by unions. The CGT-Cheminots and Sud-Rail are demanding a deep reform. According to The dispatchthis premium would represent approximately 150 million euros per year. However, his calculation method remains opaque, causing unjustified treatment differences between agents.
Sébastien Mourgues, CGT regional manager, denounces a daily life that has become unpredictable: “Before, we had a turnover: the railroad workers had visibility of their days of service and rest over six months. However, for some today, this visibility is only three months maximum ”relates RFI. The detonator? A Planning management software Recently imposed, criticized for its rigidity and its propensity to upset the jobs of time at the last minute. Added to this are the problems of staff and leave, which make internal operation unmanageableaccording to the unions.
Confirmed disturbances on the RER, Transilien and TER: quels trains circulate (or not)?
The SNCF has published its traffic forecasts For this first day of strike, and the news is not reassuring for users of Île-de-France. According to Cnewshere are the main points to remember:
- RER A : circulation normal.
- RER B : 1 train in 2 to the north, 2 out of 3 south.
- Rer c : 1 train in 2.
- Rr d : Light disturbances Tuesday, Strong Wednesday.
- Rr e : 4 trains out of 5.
- Transilien Lines N, U and V : 1 train in 2.
- H : traffic Disturbed except between Pontoise and Creil.
- TER in the North and Normandy region : until 1 train out of 3 only.
Forecasts for lines TGV For the moment, there are more optimistic. Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Travelers, assured it: “Circulation will be normal from Monday 5 to Thursday May 8 on TGV”, he explains to the Monde. But from May 9, the controllers, supported by the National ASCT collective, will intensify mobilization. It is at this point that the scenario of a logistics chaos becomes plausible.
Strike of May 2025:Management SNCF wants to avoid “dark week” at all costs
Faced with the rise of social tension and the growing concern of users, the SNCF triggered its communicational counter-offensive. Christophe Fanichet multiplies promises: “We are far from a dark week, there will be no week at a stop, but a week as normal as possible”, relays 20 minutes. Public enterprise undertakes to notify each client Individually by SMS or email if its train is deleted or modified. And for those who prefer to cancel their trip? “All tickets can be exchanged, reimbursable, at no cost,” said the manager, both for the unheard of TGVs and the Ouigo, over the period from May 5 to 11.
For its part, the SNCF recalls that it has already granted a general increase of 2.2 % of wages At the beginning of 2025, a rate higher than inflation. She also underlines to have multiplied by four controller recruitments Since 2021. However, No new revaluation is not envisaged for the traction bonus.
A mobilization called to intensify by May 11: Prepare for a dark week on rails
If the start of the week may seem controllable, the May 9, 10 and 11 crystallize all the fears. The South-Rail union warns: “it promises to be very strong on May 9, 10, 11 for the controllers”, details 20 Minutes. Posts of disturbances are expected on the intercity lines, TER, and possibly on the TGV.
Note that several regions already announce difficulties to come on regional trains, especially in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Center-Val de Loire, Occitanie et PACA. Of the cars de substitution are announced in certain areas, but the capacity will be limited. In parallel, The Blablacar platform In anticipated congestion and calls on motorists to offer their journeys: “Save their weekend from 8-May”, she displays on her application.
SO, control or disguised crisis ? If the SNCF tries to play the serenity card, the reality on the ground leaves little room for doubt: The disturbances are already thereand they could increase as the weekend is approaching.
