New France Rail Strike Announced: Summer Disruptions Begin June 12
Published June 4, 2025
If you’re planning to travel around France by train this summer, it’s time to take a closer look at your itinerary. One of France’s major rail unions, Sud-Rail, has just announced a new strike that could disrupt train travel from June 12 through September 1, 2025.
The strike notice covers the entire summer travel period, and while not every day will be impacted, the union now has the legal ability to call workers off the job on short notice throughout that window. Here's what travelers need to know.
What Has Been Announced?
On June 4, the Sud-Rail union filed a strike notice that begins on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, September 1 at 8:00 a.m. This type of notice gives union members the right to strike on any day during that period without additional warning.
The union is demanding a €100 monthly increase in a work-related bonus and calling attention to what it describes as increasingly difficult working conditions for train conductors and on-board staff. According to Sud-Rail, unpredictable scheduling is one of the core issues affecting worker well-being.
This announcement coincides with a current strike happening June 4–5, organized by another major union, CGT-Cheminots. That strike focuses on wage reforms and broader labor demands, and it's already causing disruptions across SNCF services this week. You can find more details in our update: France SNCF Train Strike Planned June 4–5, 2025.
What Services Are Affected?
The strike notice applies to SNCF, France’s national rail network. The following services may be impacted:
TGV high-speed trains (e.g. Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux)
Intercités long-distance regional trains
TER regional trains between small and mid-sized towns
RER lines in the Paris region, including the RER B to Charles de Gaulle Airport
While Sud-Rail’s announcement does not guarantee that services will be interrupted every day, it does mean any day between June 12 and September 1 could see cancellations, delays, or last-minute changes.
What Should Travelers Expect?
France requires rail companies to maintain a “minimum service” during strikes, which means trains are not likely to stop entirely. However, travelers should expect:
Fewer trains running than usual
Cancellations confirmed only 24 to 48 hours in advance
Delays, especially on regional and commuter lines
Airport connections (especially via RER B) occasionally suspended or slowed
If your travel depends on trains arriving at a specific time, particularly for flight connections, important tours, or events, it’s best to build in extra time or find alternatives.
Tips for Managing Your Travel Plans
1. Check Train Schedules Before You Travel
Use the SNCF Connect app or visit sncf.com to check for service disruptions. These updates are typically published the evening before a strike day.
2. Avoid Critical Same-Day Connections
If you’re arriving in France and planning to board a train that same day, consider staying overnight and traveling the next morning to reduce the risk of disruption.
3. Book Flexible Tickets Where Possible
Choose fares that are refundable or exchangeable. You may also want to avoid the last train of the day in case earlier cancellations cause a ripple effect.
4. Consider Backup Options
Long-distance buses like Flixbus or BlaBlaCar Bus often continue operating during rail strikes. If you’re traveling regionally, renting a car can give you more control, though you should expect higher demand.
5. For Airport Transfers, Plan Alternatives
If you're relying on RER B to get to or from CDG Airport, have a plan B in case service is interrupted. Taxi, private shuttle, or Uber may be needed.
How Likely Is a Full Shutdown?
While the strike covers a long timeframe, it does not mean daily chaos. In many cases, disruptions are limited to a few days at a time and may be concentrated on weekends, holidays, or key negotiation dates. French unions often file long strike notices to allow flexibility, but actual participation varies.
That said, this particular notice is broad, comes from a major union, and affects summer tourism season. If you're traveling in France during this time, staying alert to updates is essential.
Stay Informed
This new strike is part of a larger pattern of labor unrest that has been affecting French rail travel throughout 2025. To understand the broader context and what to expect throughout the year, see our full guide: France Train Strikes: What to Know in 2025.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on strike activity, airport disruptions, transportation alternatives, and cultural tips to help you navigate France with confidence.
