A day of major strike action on September 18 is set to see workers in several sectors walking out.
Severe disruption is expected for those travelling on the day.
France’s eight major unions have called for mass mobilisation, with demonstrations and blockades expected across the country.
Unions taking part include the more radical CGT and Solidaires, the FO (who are running their own ‘general strike’ throughout autumn), and the largest but one of the most moderate CFDT.
They are protesting over proposals expected to be included in the 2026 budget, including a freeze on social welfare spending and the abolition of two public holidays on the French calendar.
Others are protesting pay and working conditions, including unions unaffiliated with the major groups who are also choosing to strike on this day.
Since notifying of the strikes many are also unhappy about the appointment of new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, which they see as a direct continuation of ‘Macronism’ politics.
It comes after the ‘Bloquons tout’ protests on September 10 – supported by some but not all unions – failed to materialise into wider demonstrations.
Below, we review the expected disruption in more detail.
Rail network and public transport
Several rail unions are calling for disruption to the network, which is expected to have more of an impact than the protests of September 10 in the sector.
The three unions representing 70% of workers (through collective bargaining agreements) on the SNCF network have filed for strike action, and have called on all members to walk out.
Disruption to the high-speed TGV network as well as local TER trains is likely across the country.
Workers in the sector have to announce their intention to strike 48 hours in advance, and revised timetables will be available from Wednesday September 17 at 17:00.
Several public transport networks in major cities - buses, trams, and metros - are also likely to be disrupted.
This includes in Paris under the RATP umbrella, with four unions supporting workers on the network all backing strike action.
Action on the Paris public transport network will begin on September 17, several unions said in a joint-announcement.
It will run until September 19, causing additional disruption in the capital.
Check with official sites nearer the time for more precise information.
Airports affected
Prior to the inter-union announcement, disruption was already expected at airports on this day.
The SNCTA union that represents some 70% of air traffic controllers had already called for major action on September 18 - 19.
It is the first major walkout by union members this year. Strikes in the sector in July were held by other, smaller, unions.
The action will disrupt flights not only in and out of French airports but also those flying over French airspace, which is some of the busiest in Europe.
In particular, flights to and from Spain, the UK, and Italy are expected to be affected.
It means that knock-on disruption throughout the continent could be widespread.
In addition, airport and airline workers covered by the unions may also walk out, further disrupting airports.
The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will provide an update in the days before the strike with the expected levels of disruption, posted on social media.
If planning to fly on September 18 or 19 you should keep up to date with information from your airline.
Road network
While there is always a risk of road blockades during major protest days – either due to marches in cities or action targeting motorways and tollbooths – it is expected to be heightened on September 18 by taxi drivers joining the strike.
Engaging in several actions over the summer due to changes on how hospital transport fees are calculated, driver unions originally called for action on September 5 before cancelling this amid the recent political changes.
Some called for drivers to join protests on September 10 but a lack of organisation and fear of being caught up in police and protestor violence meant drivers did not engage with the protests at a union level.
However, unions are expected to join the action on September 18.
This could see taxi drivers engage in drive-slow ‘snail’ protests along major roads and motorways, blockades at airports and train stations, and demonstrations outside of key public buildings.
They are also calling on workers on ride-share apps to stop working for the day by disconnecting from these apps, including those delivering groceries.
Energy sector workers
The energy branch of the CGT has called for strike action by workers in the gas and electricity sectors since September 2.
However the union promised households would not be impacted by the strike, and no homes would be cut off from the grid by any action.
Civil servants and administration staff
Civil servants and bureaucratic staff are covered by a month-long strike notice. It is unclear how many will walk out on September 18 at the behest of unions, but disruption is expected and closures to some public services are possible.
Pharmacies, hospitals, physiotherapists
Also called independently before the inter-union announcement, pharmacy unions are calling for widespread action on September 18, before weekly Saturday closures from September 27 onwards.
However, unlike strikes on August 16 (a Saturday) which saw up to 90% of pharmacies close in some areas to protest government policies, this weekday strike can see prefects force some pharmacies to remain open to provide access to medicine.
A strike of physiotherapists is also scheduled for September 18.
No specific action is set for public hospitals, however a month-long civil servant/public sector strike could see hospital workers in a major union act on September 18. It is likely therefore that some disruption is possible.
Schools
Similarly to hospital staff, workers at schools are being urged to strike as part of public sector walkouts.
In addition, a prolonged strike motion in the sector covers workers for strike action until October, and again many unions are likely to urge workers to join in on September 18.
Less than 5% of workers in schools went on strike on September 10 despite calls to do so.
