France: Labor unions call for nationwide strikes and demonstrations Feb. 16 /update 1

Labor unions call for nationwide strikes and demonstrations in France Feb. 16; business and transport disruptions are likely.

Event

A coalition of major labor unions, opposition political parties, and activist groups have called for nationwide general strikes and protests on Feb. 16. The action is part of a campaign denouncing recently proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age; four previous nationwide general strikes have been staged as part of the campaign.

Public Transport
Unions representing French National Railway Company (SNCF) employees and the Parisien Public Transport Operator (RATP) have called on their members to strike on Feb. 16. As of Feb. 15, both operating companies predict fewer disruptions than on previous strike days. SNCF has announced that between one in two and four out of five trains will run on TGV, national Ouigo, and regional TER lines. RATP expects a near-normal service, with no impact on metro, bus, and tram services and only light disruptions on the suburban RER network.

Unions representing air traffic controllers (ATC) have called on their members to participate in the strike. As of Feb. 15, up to 30 percent of flights will be canceled at Paris-Orly airport (ORY), and 20 percent in Lyon (LYS), Marseille (MRS), Montpellier (MPL), Nantes (NTE), and Toulouse (TLS).

Unions representing port and dock workers have called on their members to participate in the strikes; disruptions to maritime operations are likely.

Public Sector
Unions representing civil servants have called on their members to take part in the action, which could disrupt some government services on Feb. 16. Healthcare and education unions have also called on members to take part in the action; emergency medical treatment will likely remain available. Staff at private companies may also participate in the strikes resulting in business disruptions and closures.

Demonstrations
Activists will stage related demonstrations in town and city centers nationwide. The largest will be in Paris, where attendance will likely be significant; previous events have attracted tens of thousands of people. Participants will gather at Place de la Bastille at 12:00 before marching to Place d'Italie. Demonstrations are also planned in the following major cities:

Bordeaux: Place de la Bourse, 12:00
Lille: Porte de Paris, 14:00
Lyon: Manufacture des Tabacs, 14:00
Montpellier: Place Zeus, 11:00
Nantes: Miroir d'eau, 18:30
Nice: Jardin Albert 1er, 10:00
Rennes: Place de Bretagne, 11:00
Strasbourg: Avenue de la Liberte, 14:00
Toulouse: Saint-Cyprien, 10:00

Protests are also planned in dozens of other towns across France. Likely locations for demonstrations are central squares or major thoroughfares. Attendance will vary by location.

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 Feb. 16, including at public health centers and other government facilities. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in major cities. Heed instructions from local authorities and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.