French rail workers are gearing up for a series of strikes, starting with a 24-hour "warm-up" strike this Thursday, followed by a potentially indefinite strike from December 11. The strikes are organized by major unions, including CGT Cheminots and SUD-Rail, in response to concerns over the dismantling of Fret SNCF and the opening of passenger transport to competition.

Despite a proposed 2.2% salary increase by SNCF, which exceeds the current inflation rate of 1.5%, unions remain dissatisfied.

The government, alongside SNCF's CEO, is urging workers to avoid disrupting holiday travel, suggesting future salary negotiations occur in January instead of December.

The strikes highlight ongoing tensions over privatization and job security within the French rail industry.