French labor strikes set to cause more travel chaos

By Omer Aydin

PARIS (AA) - French railway workers announced the launch of a general strike Saturday evening after airline pilots walked off the job earlier in the day in the latest protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s economic reforms.

According to information gathered by Anadolu Agency correspondents from French trade union representatives and transport sector officials, a week-long strike is set to disrupt the country’s transport system.

A strike by railway workers that began last week and is already causing transport chaos will continue until Monday.

The French Railways Administration (SNCF) said railway transportation would be seriously hampered Sunday and Monday, while it was not clear how many employees would take part.

As railway workers announced another strike for April 13 and 14, there was concern of further transportation chaos, especially with the start of a school holiday.

Railway access between France and its neighbors Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain will also be affected.

Negotiations Friday between four labor unions representing SNCF employees and Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne were inconclusive.

- Air France cancels flights

National airline Air France launched a new strike Saturday, its fifth since February.

The company announced the cancelation of 25 percent of its long-distance flights, 35 percent of its short-haul flights and 30 percent of its domestic flights.

Following a decision taken by 11 unions, Air France pilots, cabin crews and ground service employees will also go on strike Tuesday and Wednesday.

The airline is losing an estimated €20 million per day.