Major strike causes transport disruption in France

The strike will come as a major travel disruption and is being described as the biggest industrial unrest.

France’s state railway operator, SNCF, employees are set to strike to protest reform plans announced by President Emmanuel Macron and his government.

The strike will come as a major travel disruption and is being described as the biggest industrial unrest since Macron’s election last May.

The strike will be joined by as much as 48 percent of rail staff which includes 77 percent drivers. The strike will last a total 36 days over the course of 3 months. The strike will be held 2 days a week until June 28.

SNCF said that only one in 8 high-speed TGV trains would be operating and major cancellations are reported on suburban commuter trains.

Government plans to revamp the debt-laden SNCF ahead of being open to competition in 2019. Reforms by the government also include the cancellation of a special status historically given to railway workers for new rail employees. This special status guarantees employees a job for life and early retirement.

Some flight crew of Air France, rubbish collectors, some staff are also set to join the strike.