French transport strike November 5 2026 SNCF bus metro disruption, Digi Mart USA News (France): After weeks of youth mobilization and protests against the high cost of living, unions are calling on employees in both the public and private sectors to take to the streets and strike on Thursday, November 5, 2026. They are demanding answers from the government and employers on purchasing power.
The movement is expected to affect many sectors, given calls issued in public and private education, mutual insurers, banks, and among doctors and pharmacists. The strike will also likely affect travel plans.
According to the article, SNCF traffic forecasts are expected to be published on Tuesday, November 3, with RATP forecasts also expected that day and air traffic forecasts on Wednesday, November 4. SNCF says traffic forecasts for Thursday, November 5 should be available about 48 hours in advance and advises travelers to check SNCF Connect regularly.
Rail unions will also gather on Tuesday in front of SNCF headquarters in Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis) to press for catch-up wage increases to offset 2026 inflation during a meeting with management.
Unsa Ferroviaire general secretary Fabrice Charrière says the 2026 annual wage agreement provided a general increase of 0.5% of salaries, payable in two installments, based on an estimated inflation rate of 1.3% at the time of the annual mandatory wage negotiations. He notes that inflation was 3.4% over the 12 months to October according to Insee, and is forecast at 2.3% for the year by the Banque de France.
The union is demanding a general wage increase of 2.6% retroactive to July 1.
According to the report, Unsa Ferroviaire and CFDT were the only unions to sign the 2026 SNCF wage agreement, while CGT and Sud did not. Because UNSA and CFDT together represent less than 50% of employees, the agreement could not formally take effect, although management applied it unilaterally.
It included a review clause if inflation deviated significantly from forecasts.
For Thursday, all four rail unions are demanding the opening of genuine wage negotiations on living and working conditions and on maintaining the group’s social unity.
In several French cities, public transport disruptions such as buses, metro and trams are also expected because of the strike call.
