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Strikes in France: Checklist
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Where to find up-to-the-minute travel and other information when France is suffering from large-scale industrial unrest...
Industrial strike action in France has become common place over the past few years.
Strikes
(les grèves)
in France affect public transport services fairly often. Here are some useful
sites for up-to-the-minute information during France's industrial disputes and
manifestations.
The rail transport
sector is generally most affected due to the strong union network.
For a list of
upcoming strikes in France, consult the following French website, C’est La Greve.
They also post a calendar of upcoming strikes
Rail strikes
From time-to-time train service is affected by strike action. In these
situations revised train schedules are posted on notice boards at stations.
France’s national
rail operator SNCF post updates on their website. Tickets bought for travel
during strike dates can be exchanged or refunded
- TGV
- SNCF
rail service - information from SNCF about
rail works, strikes and other disruptions to service (in French)
- Transilien – information on travel in
Paris during strike action
- Local rail services: (for regional information,
select the region on the map)
- Information telephone line: 36 35 Open 7 days a week from 7:00-22:00
- Mobile App (SNCF) for ticket booking, real-time
information on trains and stations
Compensation vouchers are issued on TGV or intercity train services which run more than 30 minutes late. A compensation request can be completed online.
Metro and Bus Services
For information on
services during strikes visit RATP.fr
Air travel
You are not
entitled to compensation if your plane is delayed due to strikes, unless it is
the company that you are flying with that is on strike.
Working in France during a strike
Persons unable to
get to work, or is delayed because of a public transport strike or
demonstrations, cannot be sanctioned by their employer. Proof of the delay or
absence needs to be provided that it was due to ‘force majeure’ (for
example from the transport company).
However, employers
are not obliged to pay the time off (unless outlined in your contract or a
collective agreement).
The amount deducted
from a salary be strictly proportional to the length of the absence.
To avoid losing any
pay, and if the employer agrees, time lost from absence can be made up or by
taking a day of holiday.
Depending on the
type of work, and if the employer agrees, an employee can also ask to work from
home.
For up-to-date
articles in French on the strike situation, see websites belonging to the
French press, such as: