The Sud-Rail union calls on Transdev Rail Sud Inter-métropoles employees to stop work for three days on the TER Marseille-Nice line. Discussions on work organization and social conditions remain at the heart of the conflict.
A new social movement is looming on the TER Marseille-Nice line. The Sud-Rail union has filed a strike notice for May 21, 22 and 23, 2026 with Transdev Rail Sud Inter-métropoles (TRSI), operator of the line since June 2025. The movement comes during the Cannes Film Festival and could disrupt travel between Marseille, Cannes and Nice.
In a statement, Sud-Rail claims to have « reached agreement on certain issues » during negotiations with management. However, the union believes that « discussions on work organization are currently blocked by management, which refuses to negotiate on acceptable terms to prevent railway workers from being the low-cost option in rail transport. »
This strike notice is the third labor dispute since Transdev’s arrival on this regional line. A first strike took place in November 2025. Another movement was ultimately called off in February following last-minute discussions.
Working conditions and pay at the center of tensions
Sud-Rail, the leading union organization within TRSI, denounces a social framework aligned with « the minimum of the railway sector. » Jordan Mandelli, co-regional secretary of the union, points to a deterioration in working conditions.
« What’s blocking progress is that the framework set by management in terms of pay and work time organization is the bare minimum for the railway sector », says Jordan Mandelli. « Specifically, we’re talking about more working days, reduced rest hours between two service days, schedule changes at the last minute, which is disastrous for employees’ work-life balance. They are exhausted, which impacts safety levels. People are resigning. »
The union also criticizes « management’s dogmatism » and accuses Transdev of practicing « social dumping. » In a leaflet, Sud-Rail mentions « almost ten additional working days compared to sector standards » as well as a reduction in weekends, double rest days and recovery time.
As a reminder, Sud-Rail had already filed a strike notice from November 5-12, 2025 for Transdev employees on the TER Marseille-Nice line. Four months after the service launched, employees denounced wages deemed too low and difficult working conditions.
The promise of a « new breath of fresh air » for the rail link between Marseille and Nice was quickly followed by social tensions. Starting operations on June 29, 2025, Transdev, the first private operator to compete with SNCF on this regional line, had to face this first labor conflict led by Sud-Rail.
In a letter addressed to management, union delegate Frédéric Michel warned of salary losses suffered by several employees.
When TRSI arrived on the Marseille-Nice line, some SNCF employees joined the new operator as part of the transfer provided for by law. Benefits linked to the previous status must be maintained for fifteen months before renegotiating collective agreements.
When contacted about union demands, Transdev management only stated that « negotiations are continuing with the 3 union organizations. » A final meeting is scheduled for May 20 to try to reach an agreement before the movement begins.
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