France: Labor unions continue campaign of strikes through early February; nationwide protests likely Feb. 11 /update 6

Event

A coalition of major labor unions, opposition political parties, and activist groups are continuing a campaign of strikes and associated protests across France as of Feb. 8. The purpose of the movement is to denounce recently proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age. A fourth nationwide day of industrial action, planned for Feb. 11, has been called off. Instead, the labor unions and other groups plan nationwide protests without associated strike action. However, further related work stoppages and demonstrations could occur with little-to-no notice.

Public Transport
As of Feb. 8, unions representing French National Railway Company (SNCF) and the Parisien Public Transport Operator (RATP) employees continue industrial action that started Feb. 7. Travel is disrupted on national TGV, regional TER, and Paris region RER services, typically with between one and two trains out of three running. The action is scheduled to end at 09:00 Feb. 9.

Demonstrations
Demonstrations are planned nationwide for Feb. 11. In Paris, attendees will gather at Place de la Republique at 13:00. There will almost certainly be a protest march, but the route has not yet been confirmed. Tens of thousands of attendees will likely participate, based on similar events on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7.

Further protest rallies and marches will occur nationwide. The largest events are likely to be:

• Lyon: at 14 :00, at Metro des Brotteaux

• Marseille: at 14:00, Vieux Port

• Nantes: at 14:00, at Miroir d'Eau

• Nice: at 11:00, at Place Garibaldi, then a march to Place du General de Gaulle

• Strasbourg: at 11:00, at Place Kleber.

Additional police will likely 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 action against the pension reform will likely occur in the coming weeks unless the government abandons the proposed legislation.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in major cities. Confirm availability of public transport, as well as flight and rail travel arrangements for dates on which strikes are planned. Heed the instructions of local authorities; leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.