The end of the SNCF strike

The strike of the SNCF, French Railway Company, which was caused by the reforms of the railway sector and became the longest for the past thirty years, has come to an end. The national company of the French railways was on strike for 3 months. Two-day strikes were held every 5 days since April, and took in total 36 days.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, approved the reform:

"We have done our utmost to resolve the most pressing issues and will continue to do so at the negotiations.  We will conduct them with the company every time new fears arise, provided that they are legitimate and do not cancel the planned changes."

Voting took place in June, when the National Assembly voted to reform, which repeals life-long contracts for new employees. It also includes a raise in wages each year and the possibility of early retirement.

At the same time, SNCF was transformed into a joint-stock company, which will improve the position of the company at the world market. The strike was attended by 4 Labor Unions, 2 of which do not agree with the reform and will go on strike on July 6th and 7th.