French Rail Network Grinds to Halt

The French rail network has been plunged into chaos for the second time in a month as rail workers began an open-ended strike, in response to President Nicolas Sarkozy’s pension reforms.

The rail workers have joined the energy industry in planned industrial action, bringing most of France, including the Paris metro system, to a standstill.

Seven of eight unions at the state-owned SNCF rail company are involved in the strikes, expected to continue throughout the day.

Eurostar trains, leaving from London’s new St.Pancras International station today have not been caught up in the disruption, according to the rail operator.

Last month SNCF workers carried out two days of strikes in response to planned government reforms of pensions and employment schemes.

By staff writer