SUD Rail, one of France’s major railway unions, has filed an official strike notice for Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The call includes both train drivers and conductors, which are critical roles for operating safe rail services. This means the strike is expected to disrupt high-speed, regional, and suburban services across the country.
Why the Strike Is Happening
The strike aligns with the annual NAO (Négociations Annuelles Obligatoires) – legally required talks between management and unions regarding pay and working conditions. SUD Rail is using the occasion to push for better compensation, stating that existing bonuses and agreements from SNCF management are not enough to address long-term wage issues under rising inflation.
SUD Rail’s Key Demands
The union has presented a bold set of demands for 2026:
- €400 flat-rate monthly increase for every rail worker, regardless of rank or seniority.
- Introduction of a 13th month salary, to improve job attractiveness and retention.
SUD Rail estimates that the requested raise would cost around €1.2 billion annually. They argue that fixed amounts benefit lower-wage workers more than percentage-based raises, which tend to favor higher earners.
Train Services Likely to Be Disrupted
While the exact impact will only be known shortly before the strike, past actions give a reliable guide:
- TGV High-Speed Trains: Expect many long-distance cancellations.
- Intercités: Significant gaps likely in conventional long-distance services.
- TER Regional Trains: Disruption expected, especially on rural routes.
- Transilien Suburban Lines (Paris): Lower frequency, overcrowding during peak hours.
The strike’s impact may vary regionally, depending on participation levels and SNCF’s emergency operations. Some limited services may still run using non-striking staff or minimum service protocols, but no full coverage is guaranteed.
How to Check Train Status
SNCF typically releases a revised timetable the evening before the strike. To stay updated:
- Check the SNCF app or website on the evening of 12 January.
- Verify again early on 13 January for overnight changes.
- Enable notifications for your train number if available.
- Plan extra time to reach the station, especially in major urban areas.
During such strikes, SNCF generally allows free exchanges or refunds even for non-flex tickets. Save email confirmations and disruption screenshots for any reimbursement claims.
Alternative Plans for Travellers
If you need to travel on 13 January, consider backup strategies:
- Remote work or staggered hours to avoid travel.
- Carpooling and local buses as fallback options.
- Plan for overnight stays or split journeys to reduce missed flights or appointments.
Employers in areas like Paris often allow remote work during strike days to ease commuter pressure.
Wider Tensions in the Rail Sector
This strike highlights ongoing struggles within the public transport sector across Europe. Inflation, higher operating costs, and staffing shortages have intensified while governments expect rail operators to maintain low fares and increase sustainability.
SNCF staff cite irregular hours and stagnant pay as reasons for dissatisfaction. Without stronger wage offers and more hiring, unions believe repeated strikes and service disruptions will remain common.
Key Concepts Explained
What Are “NAO” Negotiations?
NAO, or Négociations Annuelles Obligatoires, are mandatory annual talks between large French employers and unions. They cover wages, working time, and equality topics. If talks stall, unions can call strikes to add pressure. January strikes are especially timed to influence new pay scales early in the year.
Flat Pay Hike vs. Percentage Raise
The core issue is how pay rises are calculated. Unions want a fixed amount added to every worker’s salary. This supports lower-income staff and reduces wage disparity. Management often prefers percentage-based increases, which are easier to align with inflation and budgets.
| Alternative | Advantages | Points to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Car sharing | Often cheaper than last‑minute train tickets; flexible departure times. | Limited seats; popular routes may fill quickly around strike dates. |
| Long‑distance coaches | Direct services between major cities; guaranteed departure if operated. | Longer journey times; potential congestion on motorways. |
| Domestic flights | Fast on longer routes such as Paris–Nice or Paris–Marseille. | Higher cost, environmental impact, and possible airport crowding. |
Scenarios for 13 January Travellers
Business Travellers (TGV)
Long-distance travellers from Paris to Lyon should expect cancelled or merged trains. Booking an alternate coach or rescheduling meetings is advisable to avoid complications.
Daily Commuters (Transilien)
Commuters will likely face reduced frequency and crowded trains. Starting early or requesting to work from home can reduce stress and delays.
Holiday or Weekend Trips
Families departing on 13 January should monitor updates closely. To avoid disruptions, consider splitting travel over two days or booking an overnight stay near the station.
