Strikes in France in October 2024 and how you may be impacted

A major day of action is planned on October 1

Several strikes are due to take place in October.
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General day of strike action - October 1 

Major unions including the CGT have called for workers in the public and private sectors to walk out on October 1 and join demonstrations.

It is expected to be a day of mass disruption, with rail, port and teaching unions filing strike motions on this day.

However, the CFDT, France’s biggest union, is not set to join in meaning there will not be a ‘general strike’ across the country.

Read more: Rail unions join October 1 French protest: who else is striking?

EasyJet workers - September 16 onwards 

Airline workers union Unac has filed a motion for an 'unlimited' strike from September 16 onwards, after easyJet announced the closure of its base at Toulouse airport. 

For the time being, the union is waiting on negotiations between worker representatives and the airline before asking workers to walk out, however as the motion has been filed workers can go on strike at any time.

The union said it may cancel the motion and file it again at a later date, depending on how negotiations go. 

It has called on all easyJet workers based in France to go on strike when it begins action – UNAC represents around one-third of easyJet staff based in the country.

Read more: Are French easyJet workers going to strike? 

La Méridionale ferry workers - October 1 onwards 

Workers at La Méridionale based in Corsica have filed an unlimited strike notice beginning on October 1. 

They are protesting the closure of the Toulon- Ile Rousse line, which the company said is not profitable enough to maintain.

Disruptions and cancellations are likely, with people planning to take a trip with the ferry company recommended to check for updates on its website.

Local public transport strikes 

Strikes to local public transport services are taking place in Lisieux (an unlimited strike from September 16 onwards) and Nancy (October 3 - 4). 

Passengers are advised to check local websites for possible disruptions.

Closure of ports and airports in Corsica - October 3 onwards 

A surprise strike by workers in Corsica has blocked all major airports and ports in the country, causing havoc for travellers. 

They are striking over plans by the government that would see it renege on a deal to keep the running of the island's ports and airports in public hands.

Read more: Surprise strike closes ports and airports in Corsica

Police officers in Lyon - October 26 - November 14 

Two unions are calling on officers to strike over a pay dispute, although negotiations are constructive between the mairie and unions. 

Minimum services will be maintained.

Read more: Lyon police file strike motion after pay rises not given to all officers