Strike in France Disrupts High-Speed Trains

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Photo by Freeimages.com/Rajesh Panjal

Travelers moving within France by rail could face delays as a strike by French workers disrupts high-speed trains in the country, Bloomberg reports. According to national train company SNCF, six in 10 high-speed trains should be running, while fewer than half of the services will be available on other lines. Travel by Eurostar between Paris and London will remain unaffected, and three out of four Thalys trains between Brussels and Paris will continue to run. 

The strike comes amid a wider period of labor unrest ahead of the Euro 2016 soccer tournament, which will take place in nine days, according to the BBC. Workers are protesting a labor reform bill that would allow companies to negotiate a longer workweek than the current 35-hour week, up to a maximum of 46, as well as reduce pay, lay off workers and negotiate holidays and special leave more easily. 

Labor union CGT also called for a Paris Metro strike Thursday, the BBC reports, but there is only expected to be minimal disruption. 

Looking Ahead

The French Civil Aviation Authority has also called for a strike over the reform bill, which could cause air travel cancellations and delays, France24 reports. That walkout is set to take place June 3 to 5. 

According to the BBC, another strike could be planned June 14, when the reform bill goes to the Senate

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest travel updates from France.