19 Jan 2023 | 08:48 AM UTC
St. Pierre and Miquelon: Labor unions call for demonstrations in Saint Pierre Jan. 19
Labor unions call for demonstrations in St. Pierre, St. Pierre and Miquelon Jan. 19. Business and transport disruptions likely.
Event
Activists from several labor unions, including the French Democratic Confederation of Labor (Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail, CFDT) in St. Pierre and Miquelon have called for a demonstration Jan. 19. Organizers have planned a rally to gather at the corner of Albert Briand Street and General Leclerc Street in St. Pierre 08:30-14:00, when they will move to Joffre Square for likely further rallies. The action is to denounce recently proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age; public sector strikes are also likely.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Direction generale de l’aviation civile, DGAC) union in metropolitan France has announced plans to restrict flights; associate strikes by airport workers in St. Pierre and Miquelon are likely.
Should strikes go ahead, public sector workers, including health and local government services, are likely to participate in the action. Healthcare facilities may close or offer reduced services; emergency medical treatment will likely remain available. Other government agencies may close or offer reduced services due to the action. All members of the Caisse d'Epargne Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (CEPAC) bank are currently on strike. Staff at other private companies may also participate in strikes resulting in business disruptions and closures. School closures are possible.
Heightened security is likely at demonstrations, which may number in the hundreds. Localized transit disruptions, including road closures and business disruptions, are likely.
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. Exercise caution around demonstrations. Heed instructions from authorities.
