Paris theatres confirm closures as mass strike spreads
Half of private Paris theatres have announced that they will close tomorrow (December 5), becoming the latest sector to confirm knock-on effects as the impact of the planned mass strike spreads.
So far, the transport sector - including trains, metros, and buses, along with the education and childcare sectors, rubbish collectors, energy workers and chemical refinery staff, hospital personnel, automobile factory staff, and barristers have announced plans to join the movement.
The widespread action is already causing knock-on effects even in industries that are not set to join the strike.
Today (Wednesday December 4), it was reported that half of privately-run theatres in Paris are choosing to cancel shows tomorrow, with ticket sales down not only on strike day, but also in the days and even weeks surrounding it.
Bertrand Thamin, co-director of the Montparnasse theatre, said that ticket sales were low for the week until December 12 or 13 as a result of the strike.
He told news source FranceInfo: “As this is a strike that was announced a long time ago, people have not booked [tickets]. The opening has been split by a third, almost. Such high losses have a very direct impact on our activity and results. We are a fragile sector. This cannot last for weeks and weeks.”
The latest train service and airport schedules have been reported in more detail here (Tuesday December 3).
Few public services in France are required to provide a “minimum service” - depending on the sector, but especially in education and transport - particularly in the case of a widespread strike such as this.
Information is being updated regularly.
Transport
Half of Eurostar trains are set to run, but just 10% of Transilien trains and TGVs are expected, alongside 3% of TER services, but almost no Intercités trains. See more information on trains here.
Education
More than 900,000 teachers (across unions including Snes-FSU, Snuipp-FSU, SE-Unsa, Snalc, and Solidaires) have been called to join the movement, with more than 70% of teachers declaring their intentions to join. More than two in five (40%) of schools are set to be closed, especially in rural areas.
Canteen and school transport staff are also expected to join.
Energy
More than 140,000 electricians and gas workers have been called to strike by unions CGT, FO and CFE-CGC-Unsa. Power supply to homes will not be affected, but some public buildings (except health units) may be affected by power cuts.
Strikes are scheduled in seven chemical refineries, CGT Chimie has said, and did not rule out production stoppages.
Rubbish collection
Much of the sector will be on strike, especially in Marseille and Montpellier, union CGT said.
Car production
Staff at car manufacturer Renault have been called to join the strike, both to join other in protesting pension reform, as well as coming out against a new “competitiveness” agreement.
Hospitals
In the wake of eight months of protests over emergency department conditions, healthcare staff were called to join the strike, but there is currently no unanimous agreement in the sector, with a further day of action planned for December 17.
Justice
As previously reported, barrister council Le Conseil National des Barreaux has voted for a “dead justice” day tomorrow, with lawyers coming out to defend their own pension system, which they say “works perfectly” and does not “cost [the State] one euro”.
Magistrate and lawyers unions have also called for action.
Police
Police unions Alliance and Unsa have announced their support for the strike, but have said there is “no question” of police officers joining the protest marches, and have instead called for other forms of protest between 10h-15h.
This will include “symbolic closure” of police stations, and refusal of officers to take part in extra patrols and checks in airports and at road peage booths.
Fabien Vanhemelryck, general secretary of Alliance, said that “[police must] protest differently”.
Previous articles
Will schools and trains be running tomorrow?
20% of flights cancelled on Thursday
Mass Thursday strike: Airports and TGV/Eurostar update
French say strike is justified and make other plans
SNCF halts ticket sales over December 5 strike
Who's on strike on December 5
France braces for a winter of strikes (paywall/subscribers)
Why the French must embrace pension reform (paywall/subscribers)
Pension change needed but has been badly explained (paywall/subscribers)
French pensions reforms mean €300/month loss (paywall/subscribers)
