Many French rail union meetings vote to end strike

PARIS, Nov 22 (Reuters) A large majority of local French rail union committees that met today have voted to suspend a strike, rail operator SNCF said, adding to signs of an end to stoppages that have blocked trains for more than a week.

The SNCF said 42 out of 45 meetings voted to suspend the strike over pension reforms that has crippled French rail services since it began on November 13. Many more committees will have to vote later on today.

There had been growing signs of an end to the strike after union leaders and SNCF management began negotiations yesterday.

Reuters PD GC1756