18 Apr 2018 | 08:08 AM UTC
France: National strike April 19; Paris public transit strike 18-21 /update 2
Labor union calls on public sector employees to strike April 19; Paris public transit workers to strike April 18-21
Event
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) is planning to hold a national public sector strike on Thursday, April 19. Public transportation services in cities throughout France as well ferry services will be affected.
In the Paris region, employees at the RATP - the public transit operator - will be on strike from 22:00 (local time) on April 18 until 07:00 on April 21; metro, bus, tramway, and commuter rail services could all face disruptions during and following this period. More details are expected to be released on April 18 on the RATP website. Increased traffic congestion is to be anticipated in the region, along with overcrowding on available transport services.
Associated protests are expected. In Paris, RATP workers will gather beginning at 10:30 at the RATP headquarters near the Gare de Lyon train station and again at 14:00 in front of the Montparnasse train station.
As a reminder, unions representing employees at SNCF, the national rail operator, have also planned to strike April 18-19; significant rail disruptions are to be anticipated (e.g. reduced services, delays, and overcrowding on available trains). The SNCF is holding further strikes on the following dates: April 23, 24, 28, and 29; May 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, 23, 24, 28, and 29; and June 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, and 28. Additionally, Air France employees are set to hold strikes April 18, 23, and 24. Finally, another public sector strike is planned for May 22.
Context
This industrial action comes after a similar public sector strike on March 22 in protest of new reforms introduced by President Emmanuel Macron's government. The government plans to abolish 120,000 civil servant jobs over a five-year period as part of its "Public Action 2022" plan, along with reforms such as an increased use of contractors and a merit pay system.
Advice
Individuals in France are advised to monitor the situation, confirm transportation reservations, and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.
