Will there be trains and planes for Christmas? A complicated end to the year is looming for transport users.
Air transport personnel are called to stop work on Thursday, November 21, to protest against the government plan to increase taxation in their sector. A mobilization at the call of five organizations, including the national union of airline pilots (SNPL) and the SNPNC-FO, the first union for cabin crew (hostesses and stewards).
The government, in search of funds to limit the budget deficit, wants to increase the taxation of air transport from France by one billion euros per year, via the tripling of the solidarity tax on plane tickets and a higher contribution from business aviation passengers.
The sector fears a further loss of competitiveness of aircraft based in France and reduced growth.
Ultimatum on track
At SNCF, the CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, Sud-Rail and the CFDT-Cheminots are calling for an “ultimatum” strike from Wednesday, November 20, 7 p.m. to Friday, November 22, 8 a.m. A renewable strike, starting Wednesday, December 11, has also been announced.
The trade union organizations are calling for the suspension of the dismantling of the SNCF freight branch on January 1.
The opening of regional lines to competition, a consequence of the 2018 railway reform which notably confirmed the disappearance of railway worker status, also raises concerns.
What impacts for travelers?
Will the mobilization be on track on Thursday, November 21 and in December? Could the movement compromise family reunions on New Year's Eve?
In February, controllers went on strike during a holiday weekend, leaving 150,000 people in the lurch. In 2022, hundreds of TGVs were canceled at Christmas due to a strike.
The Union of Rights for the Republic (UDR) will submit a bill to prohibit strikes during the holidays, announced its president Eric Ciotti.
In the air, the companies EasyJet, Corsair, Air Caraibes, French Bee and Air Austral are not planning any flight cancellations for Thursday, November 21.
The management of Air France-KLM evokes a “limited” impact, without however benefiting from total visibility on the number of strikers.
In Nice, VTCs will not pick up any travelers to and from the airport and train station on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 November. They are demonstrating against Uber's unilateral decision to increase its commission on rides.
