France: Truck driver strike set to continue September 26 /update 3

Event

On Monday, September 25, unions announced the truck driver strike that started on Monday would be renewed and continue on Tuesday, September 26, to protest new labor reforms introduced by the Macron government. Striking drivers erected roadblocks, preventing access to fuel depots across the country and drove at reduced speeds on major roads, causing significant traffic congestion around main cities. The Normandy region was reportedly particularly affected.

Significant waiting times were reported at gas stations on Sunday, September 24, as people went to stock up on fuel in anticipation of the strike. As of September 25, 121 gas stations were reportedly out of gas, with another 216 running low.

Context

On Friday, Macron officially signed these labor reforms contained in five executive orders. They have not been ratified by the legislative branch but will still take effect in the coming days.

This ongoing strike follows a series of industrial actions including two nationwide strikes on September 12 and 21, rallying hundreds of thousands of demonstrators. Further, on Saturday, September 23, a mass protest march was held in Paris, led by former presidential candidate and current leader of the political party “La France Insoumise” Jean-Luc Mélenchon, gathering 30,000 people according to police estimates.

Advice

Travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation and anticipate transportation disruptions.