French rail unions call for indefinite strike ahead of Christmas

ISTANBUL

Trade unions at France’s railway operator SNCF on Saturday called for an indefinite strike that could hamper train services during the Christmas holidays.

A joint statement by the CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, Sud-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots unions said the action would begin on Dec. 11, with additional shorter strikes planned from Nov. 20-22.

The call is meant to protest the government's restructuring plan for SNCF's freight division, the SNCF Fret, and against opening up regional lines to competition.