“Traffic between Metz and Luxembourg will be disrupted due to a local industrial action that is likely to continue. There may also be some disruption on other lines. We will keep you informed of developments.” A few lines on Twitter and a passenger information email announced a strike to take place on Monday 20 January between Metz and Luxembourg. When contacted, the SNCF said it was unable to say which trains would actually be running. “The transport plan will be communicated the day before, i.e., Sunday evening from 5pm,” it said.

The movement is expected to be widely followed internally, particularly among SNCF drivers qualified to drive to Luxembourg, who, according to our information, are all expected to mobilise with the risk of a total interruption to traffic between Metz and Luxembourg. However, the SNCF assures us that “the transport plan will be adapted” and that it is “required by law to provide a minimum service.”

The FGAAC-CFDT union, which Paperjam also contacted on Thursday afternoon, says that discussions with the SNCF are continuing, and it is only at the end of these that a decision will be taken on whether or not to extend the strike beyond Monday.

Whilst neither the unions nor the SNCF have yet communicated the causes of the strike or their demands, the sticking point could be the so-called “Luxembourg recognition” bonus for SNCF drivers able to work in Luxembourg. This is a local allowance of €100 gross per month which was not increased at the beginning of the year, as requested by the staff concerned.

“To operate on the Luxembourg network, French train drivers must master the specific Luxembourg regulations, in addition to the French regulations. Recognition of these skills was agreed in 2024 and will remain unchanged in 2025,” the SNCF has confirmed. The region is not involved in this matter.

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