20 Jan 2023 | 08:39 PM UTC
France: Labor unions and activist groups plan nationwide campaign of strikes and protests through Jan. 31 /update 1
Labor unions, activist groups to stage several strikes and related protests across France through Jan. 31. Significant disruptions likely.
Event
A coalition of eight major labor unions, in addition to several activist groups, plan to stage a series of strikes and associated protests across France through at least Jan. 31. The purpose is to denounce recently proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age. While organizers have planned particular actions for Jan. 21, 23, and 31, related demonstrations and work stoppages could occur with little-to-no notice throughout the 10-day period in question.
On Jan. 21, activists in Paris will assemble at Place de la Bastille starting at 14:00 before marching to Place de la Nation. The event will likely draw very large crowds, particularly given that organizers have chartered buses to transport participants to Paris from other parts of the country.
In addition to the march in the French capital, trade unions have called on members to stage strikes and protests across the country around Jan. 23; a nationwide general strike affecting all sectors is planned for Jan. 31. Labor leaders have as yet released no program detailing locations and start times for specific gatherings on these two dates.
Demonstrations are possible in urban centers nationwide. Likely locations for protests are central squares or major thoroughfares. Attendance will vary by location but gatherings in major cities could attract very large numbers of participants.
Additional police will deploy to monitor and facilitate all demonstrations. Localized business and transport disruptions are likely. Most actions will probably remain largely peaceful, though isolated clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out. Further actions against the pension reform are likely in the coming weeks unless the government abandons the proposed legislature.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in major cities through at least Jan. 31. Confirm availability of public transport, as well as flight and rail travel arrangements for dates on which major strikes are planned. Heed the instructions of local authorities; leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
