Disruption is expected across several sectors in France on Thursday October 2, after the intersyndicale of the eight biggest unions called for strike action and protests.
However, the action is not likely to be as impactful as on September 18, the first day of such united action, with several services expected to run as normal. Transport and education sectors are predicted to be the most impacted.
The strike call came last week following failed negotiations between the unions and new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
Mr Lecornu ruled out talks on overturning the 2023 pension reforms, a key demand for the unions alongside an overhaul of the planned 2026 budget and improvements to working/pay conditions across sectors.
Around 500,000 people turned out to protest on September 18 according to Interior Ministry figures. Unions claim the figure was closer to 1 million protestors.
However, internal police sources have told French media that further disruption through unofficial ‘blocages’ – seen on September 10 through the ‘Bloquons tout’ action – are unlikely, and that fewer people are expected at street demonstrations tomorrow.
“There is an erosion of strength; the 'Bloquons Tout' movement is crumbling, with increasingly weaker groups. October 2 will therefore be a more ordinary day of inter-union action,” the source told BFMTV.
There will be “marches in all large and medium-sized cities, with many union members, activists, and left-wing political sympathisers, and a few rioters,” joining.
“The absence of a new government does not allow for a strong mobilisation beyond the usual audience for union marches,” the source added.
Below, we look at the expected disruption sector by sector.
Rail network and public transport
The four largest unions representing workers on the French rail network have called on workers to strike, with SUD-Rail in particular saying “this is the time to strike hard.”
However, the TGV high-speed rail network should run “normally” on Thursday, said state operator the SNCF.
Strike action elsewhere on the network will affect Intercités trains as well as regional TER services (and around the capital, Transilien services), although no major disruptions are expected.
“Intercités train traffic will be disrupted on the Lyon-Nantes, Bordeaux-Nantes and Marseille-Bordeaux routes and slightly disrupted on the Paris-Clermont-Ferrand and Paris-Limoges-Toulouse routes,” said the SNCF.
Revised timetables for services on Thursday must be made available by 17:00 today October 1, and will include disruption to local TER trains.
Unions representing workers on the Paris RATP public transport network have backed calls for strike action, however authorities have said services should also run as normal on Thursday.
Other local public transport services across the country may also be affected, and you should consult local media and official websites to check any impact on services you use.
Note that demonstrations and marches may affect overground transport such as trams and buses depending on the route.
Airports
Air traffic disruptions should remain limited but disruption and delays are to be expected, said France’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).
As of Wednesday (October 1) morning, it has only asked for schedules at Paris Beauvais to be revised, demanding that 30% of flights be cancelled.
The DGAC advises people travelling tomorrow to keep updated about their flight status.
The other main Parisian airports should be unaffected, said the Transport Ministry.
Note that air traffic controllers are set for a separate major walkout on October 7 - 9, which is likely to be far more disruptive to the sector.
Postal workers
The CGT FAPT union that covers La Poste workers in France has issued a 24-hour strike notice for October 2, calling on all workers under its umbrella to join.
“The social situation remains marked by repeated attacks on our rights, our wages, our pensions, our jobs, and our public services,” the union said in a statement.
Depending on turnout, post may not be delivered and La Poste offices will be either partially or fully closed on Thursday.
Health
A strike notice by the social and healthcare wing of the CFDT has been filed for Thursday, with the union calling for a significant turnout.
Local and government healthcare workers are covered by the notice, as are public hospital staff.
It may mean disruption to usual care services and outpatient appointments.
However, minimum service requirements mean urgent care should not be disrupted, and in many cases, emergency health workers take protest action while still providing care, such as not filing paperwork etc.
Pharmacists, who engaged in separate strike action on September 18, will not join Thursday’s action as they have reached an agreement with the government.
Schools
Leading education unions covering staff at all levels – including the FSU-SNUipp and SNES-FSU – have called for members to join Thursday’s action.
Secondary school closures are once again likely, across France – on September 18, up to 45% of secondary school teachers associated with the Snes-FSU union walked out.
In the case of younger children at maternelle and élémentaire (primary school), schools will remain open to look after children during school hours even if teachers are on strike, as part of minimum service requirements.
If more than 25% of teachers at these establishments are striking, communes may arrange to look after children at another location such as a public gymnasium or community hall.
Pupils at lycée and university students may continue to engage in ‘blockades’ or attempted takeovers of their faculties, as has been the case on September 10 and 18.
Banks
The CFDT’s banking branch has also called for strikes in the sector, although it is unclear how disruptive this will be.
Depending on the number of walkouts, some branches may see reduced service or partial closure. It is unlikely that internet banking services will be affected.
Other sectors
Action on September 18 was shored up by month-long strike notices in several sectors as well as for civil servants.
A strike notice by the CGT covering workers in public services has been filed, but it is unlikely to be as powerful as last month’s wider notices.
An autumn ‘general strike’ by the FO union – part of the intersyndicale – may also see sporadic disruption in other sectors.
Taxi drivers have not announced that they will join action on Thursday but are expected to stage their own protests soon.
No disruption to petrol stations is expected and fuel shortages are not forecast. However, temporary blockades of refineries are possible as part of union demonstrations.
