Railway strike on Christmas Day 'irresponsible': French government

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – French government officials scolded workers of national rail operator SNCF on Wednesday for their decision to go on strike on Christmas Day.

SNCF inspectors are sticking to their strike notice for this weekend, including Christmas Day, and also for the following weekend.

One train out of three will be out of service, SNCF representatives said in a press conference Tuesday.

Around 200,000 people will see their trains being canceled, according to local media.

"We do not go on strike on Christmas Day. I do not question the right to strike or the workers' right to mobilize and protest, but frankly, is it vital to do it on a Christmas weekend?" government spokesman Olivier Veran said Wednesday on France Inter Radio.

During an interview with Franceinfo television, Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade, Crafts and Tourism Olivia Gregoire expressed shock and called this act "irresponsible" due to its timing.

She regretted that the decision to strike pushed people to rent cars or buy airplane tickets, "which is not affordable for everyone at the last minute."

Gregoire deplored the risk for many to not be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones.

"The right to strike is legitimate, workers' demands are legitimate, but the timing?" she said.

Railway controllers are demanding better wages and working conditions.

The negotiations with SNCF’s management have not satisfied them.