PARIS, February 2, 2010 (AFP) - French train workers began a strike late Tuesday, saying it would intensify the following day as they launched what they described as an "ultimatum" over their demands against downsizing plans.
The national rail company, SNCF, said two out of three high-speed trains would run on Wednesday, while regional networks would have only 50 percent of traffic. International trains will not be affected by the strike.
Four railway unions taking part in the protest warned that the strike could be extended.
The strike comes after the rail budget for this year announced the scrapping of 1,404 positions. Unions argue that ultimately 3,713 people will be made jobless by the end of the year.
The unions are also denouncing poor work conditions and suicides linked to the revamp of the state rail network.
Editor's Note
Railway disruptions:
Those planning to travel by train or subway in this region should check with the railway immediately to reconfirm travel arrangements. If your train has been canceled, request a reservation on the next available train. Traffic on roadways near the train station may be considerably more congested than normal. Stations are likely to become very crowded, lines will be long and tempers among other passengers may be short. Allow a good measure of extra time to get to the station and check in.
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