France's national transportation strike may be nearing the end of the line, with rail workers showing a willingness to resume negotiations and return to work.

More than 40 union assemblies have voted to return to work, The New York Times reported Thursday. More votes were still being conducted, but the state-owned rail operator SNCF called the early returns a sign of a "dynamic" to return to work, and union leaders were talking about "a climate to suspend" the strike, the newspaper said.

Although trains were still crowded Thursday, the absentee rate for SNFC rail workers had fallen to 14.5 percent -- down from 64 percent Nov. 13, the first day of the strike.

The unions have insisted on retaining contract provisions that allow workers to retire in their 50s with full pension benefits. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been pushing to change the retirement age.

Some talks were held Wednesday and more were set for Monday between the union and negotiators for the government and the railways.

High-speed rail lines were sabotaged Wednesday as talks began. // Copyright 2007 by United Press International 



Publication date: 23 November 2007   

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