French railways to strike on 26 April

France's rail network faces major disruption on 26 April when four unions have called a one-day strike over changes to working conditions. A previous strike on 9 March led to cancellations and delays across the country.

Paris's Gare Saint-Lazare railway station during the 9 March rail station Reuters/Christian Hartmann

Four major trade unions have called the strike next Tuesday in response to negotiations to implement a government order to harmonise working conditions in the freight and passenger wings of the national rail company.

They claims management has come up with "regressive proposals" that disregard efficiency and employees' rights.

A one-day strike on 9 March saw major disruption, with 35.5 percent of employees taking part, according to management, and more than 60 percent of drivers and inspectors not working, according to unions.

They predict that Tuesday's strike will be "the next stage in the mobilisation" and are planning a national demonstration, but no work stoppage, on 10 May.