France: Labor unions call for nationwide strikes and demonstrations Jan. 19 /update 2

Event

All major labor unions in France have called for a national general strike and demonstrations Jan. 19 to denounce recently proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age. The action is likely to result in business, transport, and public service disruptions nationwide, though participation will vary between sectors. Disruptions, particularly in the travel sector, may start the evening of Jan. 18 and continue into the morning of Jan. 20. Related demonstrations will take place in town and city centers (see below). Further actions against the pension reform are likely in the coming weeks.

Public Transport
Unions representing French Nation Railway Company (SNCF) employees have called on their members to take part in the action, likely impacting rail services nationwide. Unions representing employees of the Parisien Public Transport Operator (RATP) have also called on their members to take part, and similar strikes by additional local public transport operators in additional cities. Participation is currently unclear, but the strikes are likely to result in disruptions to public transport services, including delays and cancelations, impacting rail, bus, tram, and metro services nationwide. Operators typically announce anticipated disruptions 1-2 days in advance.

As of Jan. 17, Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff confirmed their participation in the action; ATC centers will provide minimum service only from late evening on Jan. 18 to early morning Jan. 20. Other airport and airline workers could prompt further air transport disruption nationwide, though this has not currently been confirmed.

Public Sector
Public sector workers are also likely to take part in the strike action prompting disruptions to public services, including education, health, and local government services. Education sector strikes could result in widespread closures of educational facilities. Healthcare facilities may close or offer reduced services; emergency medical treatment will likely remain available. Other government agencies may close or offer reduced services as a result of the action. Staff at private companies may also participate in strikes resulting in business disruptions and closures.

Demonstrations
Unions will stage related demonstrations in town and city centers nationwide. The largest will be in Paris, where attendance will likely reach into the tens of thousands; attendees will gather at Place de la Republique, where there will be a press conference with opposition politicians at 12:15. Protesters will march from 14:00, via Place de la Bastille, to Place de la Nation. Demonstrations are also planned in the following major cities:

• Bordeaux: Place de la Republique at 12:00

• Lille: Porte de Paris at 14:30

• Lyon: Manufacture des Tabacs at 10:30

• Marseille: Les Mobiles at 10:30

• Nantes: Miroir d’Eau at 10:30

• Nice: Place Massena at 10:00

• Rennes: Esplanade Charles de Gaulle at 11:00

• Strasbourg: Place de la Bourse at 14:00

• Toulouse: Metro Francois Verdier at 10:00.

Protests are also planned in dozens of other towns across France. Likely locations for other demonstrations are central squares or major thoroughfares. Attendance will vary by location but will be in the thousands at larger gatherings.

Additional police will deploy to monitor and facilitate all demonstrations. Large crowds and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will prompt localized business and transport disruptions. Most actions are likely to pass off peacefully, though isolated clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm all transport reservations, as well as public and private sector appointments Jan. 19, including at public health centers and other government facilities. Check with operators for up-to-date information on public transport disruptions; make alternative travel arrangements if necessary. Arrive early at airports to allow extra time to pass through processing procedures; do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.