French rail strike continues to cause chaos

Though Paris and strikes seem to go together like coffee and cigarettes, this current transport strike is something a little different. It has the potential to be the biggest strike due to labor-strife in years.

The French transport strike, which began last Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., shows little sign of slowing. Two of the eight transport unions voted to extend the 24-hour strike, causing major traffic jams in Paris and the surrounding areas. Only one-third of the mainline and SNCF intercity trains were running this morning.

The strike began as a protest against proposed cuts to certain retirement plans. Due to the lack of transportation yesterday, schools were forced to close, travel connections were disrupted, and the transit system was completely paralyzed.

SNCF promises to do its best to return services to half-way normal by Friday evening. But, union leaders will meet Monday morning to discuss further plans to strike back.