Chaos in the transportation sector in France is to come on September 18 as unions across aviation, rail, and transit plan strikes to protest government austerity measures.
A first 24-hour strike is to happen tomorrow, September 10. However, it should be limited in its scope. High speed trains are due to work as well as most public transport in large cities. Flight cancellations have been announced in late afternoon at Nice and Corsica airports.
Meanwhile, the National Air Traffic Controllers Union (SNCTA), the largest in the sector, has called a strike for September 18. It demands inflation-linked pay hikes and governance reforms. Outgoing transport minister Philippe Tabarot has vowed not to concede. At Air France, three unions have filed strike notices for September 18. The powerful pilots’ union SNPL said however it would not participate.
Rail unions CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, and CFDT-Cheminots are urging workers to walk out on September 18. Unions are calling for “massive mobilization.” They argue the government’s 2026 budget unfairly forces employees to work “two unpaid days.” They also denounce budget cuts and worsening work conditions.
In Paris, the four main unions of public transport company RATP have confirmed to strike on September 18. They oppose reduced medical reimbursements, frozen social benefits, and bus network liberalization. Lyon public transport TCL will also strike on September 18.
With France’s transport backbone preparing to halt despite French government resignation yesterday, travelers are certain to face potential chaos on September 18.
