top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Thousands on streets in employment law protest

Flights cancelled as air traffic controllers join strike that may be just the first step

As President Macron flew out to the Caribbean to give support to islanders struck by the hurricanes, protesters took to the streets across France and then in Paris to oppose his plans to change employment law.

Philippe Martin, head of the hard-line CGT union, claimed a success with “more than 100,000 people” on the streets in the regions – although police figures gave nothing like that.

The CGT said more than 4,000 different protests were being held across the country, from strikes in air and rail transport, hospitals, schools, government and local government departments and in the energy industry. In addition, it said another 200 street marches took place.

Ryanair said 20,000 passengers had flights cancelled due to the strike by air traffic controllers while British Airways said it cancelled 16 flights. Easyjet gave no figures but said some flights had been cancelled with many delayed.

Air control in Marseille particularly badly hit and it was in the city that former presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon of La France Insoumise led a street protest that the police said had 7,500 protesters but the CGT counted 60,000.

In Paris, several thousand protesters joined a march from the Bastille to Place d’Italie and although generally peaceful there was some stone-throwing and some banks along the route had boarded-up windows.

With another protest promised for September 21, Mr Martinez said it was a successful first step in opposing the reforms to the Code de Travail.

Apart from La France Insoumise, his union was largely isolated in its protest after the CFDT and Force Ouvrière refused to take part. They said they had gained concessions over the new employment laws.

Government ministers, however, refused to budge with spokesman Christophe Castaner saying the French people had voted for change in the presidential election. However, he put his foot in his mouth when he said the people “would see an increase in their tax bill (feuille d'impôts)” instead of an “increase in their pay packet (feuille de paie)”.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France