SNCF & RATP See ‘Near-Normal’ Service Despite 29 September Public-Sector Strike Call

Barely 48 hours before a nationwide public-sector strike, France’s two largest transport operators are forecasting limited disruption. In a statement quoted by Nachrichten.fr at 18:31 on 27 September, SNCF and RATP said they expect “normal or near-normal” traffic on Tuesday, while cautioning travellers to verify schedules shortly before departure. Eight unions—including CGT, CFDT, FO, UNSA and Solidaires—have urged civil-service staff to walk out over pay and staffing. Historically, rail and metro systems act as barometers of wider participation, so multinational firms with domestic mobility programmes are monitoring the situation closely. Even a small uptick in absenteeism can cascade into last-minute train cancellations because French law obliges rail workers to declare strike intent only 48 hours in advance. Business-class TGV bookings for 29 September are already 12 % above baseline, indicating travellers are hedging with earlier or alternative departures. The operators’ early optimism may not hold if picket lines form around maintenance depots. Mobility managers should keep contingency plans—such as switching meetings to video or re-ticketing via air or coach—ready until final timetables are confirmed at 17:00 on Monday. In Paris, a march from Place de la République to Nation is scheduled for 14:00, adding road-traffic delays and potential first-mile issues for employees using taxis or ride-shares.