Strikes in France: Checklist

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: