Strikes by national railway workers are likely in January because management rejected union demands for pay raises retroactive to 2003. One union has been calling for a strike Jan. 21, the day the national railway board plans to meet to discuss its 2004 budget. Another union leader said management’s failure to agree to pay demands will create tension between management and drivers in 2004. Rail strikes in France are nothing new, but they dramatically disrupt travel throughout the country, including commutes into major cities, because so many people rely on the rail system. One reason management is refusing to budge on 2003 wages is it’s attempting to make up for lost earnings due to strikes the past year. Follow press reports for updates if planning trips to France.
