Advertisement ::

Enlarge Cartoon

Update 19 March 08:25  Paris, France (GenevaLunch) – More than one million people are expected to take part in a major French strike today, reports the BBC. Many of France’s public servants but also private sector companies began striking late Wednesday, 18 March, and they are expected to stay away from work until Friday 08:00 20 March.

Schools will close in many cities, trains are expected to operate at about 60% of the normal schedule and many flights will be canceled (see below).

Le Monde carries news about the strike.

School closings, train and plane delays

SNCF rail lines during the strike. Note that TGV high-speed trains between Paris and Switzerland will run, but the number is reduced. Update on the Swiss CFF rail company site.

Air travel: Air France expects all its long-haul flights to operate but there appears to be conflicting information about the rest of its service. The airline’s site suggests that passengeres phone 3654 for flight information. Also check departures and arrivals on the GVA site for Geneva Airport.

Schools: About half of the schools in Savoie will be closed, according to Dauphine Liberé. Some border areas, for example around Ferney-Voltaire could be disrupted by strikers, according to CGAS, a Geneva association that regroups local unions. Ain appears to be less affected, with most schools operating at least partially; Saint-Genis-Pouilly appears to be the only school closing completely, according to Dauphine Liberé.