France: Aviation sector unions join call for nationwide strikes and demonstrations March 6-10 /update 1

Event

Aviation sector unions have joined a coalition of major labor unions, opposition political parties, and activist groups in calls for nationwide general strikes and protests March 6-10. The industrial action is part of a campaign denouncing the government's proposed pension reforms that would raise the retirement age.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) states unionized air traffic controllers will strike 18:00 March 6-07:00 March 10. The DGAC indicates disruptions will be most severe March 7-8 and asked airports to reduce their flight schedules on those days. Most notably, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has been asked to reduce flight schedules by 20 percent, while a 30 percent reduction has been requested at Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA), Bordeaux–Merignac Airport (BOD), Lille Airport (LIL), Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS), Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Montpellier-Mediterranee Airport (MPL), Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) and Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS).

Additionally, CGT Air France has called on Air France (AF) workers to observe strike action on March 7. The potential impact of the strike on Air France flight schedules is typically released up to 48 hours ahead of the strike date.

Unions representing French National Railway Company (SNCF) employees and the Parisien Public Transport Operator (RATP) have called on their members to strike on March 7. The strike may be extended until March 8. Significant disruptions are anticipated but have not been confirmed. On previous strike days, SNCF has maintained 30-40 percent of trains on TGV, national Ouigo, and regional TER lines. RATP will announce the expected impact on Metro, bus, tram, and suburban RER networks around 48 hours before the strike starts. As of March 3, the impact on Eurostar services remains unclear.

The National Federation of Chemical Industries (FNIC) states workers at oil refineries and depots will observe strike action on March 7; however, this action will not significantly impact fuel supplies.

Public Sector
Unions representing civil servants, healthcare, and education unions are likely to call on members to take part in the action. On previous strike days, emergency medical treatment has remained available. Staff at private companies may also participate in the strikes, resulting in business disruptions and closures.

Demonstrations
At least one union has called for a demonstration at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on March 7. The gathering will take place at Door 17, Terminal 2E; a start time remains unconfirmed.

Activists will stage related demonstrations in town and city centers nationwide. The largest will likely be in Paris, where attendance could be significant; previous events have attracted tens of thousands of people. 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 March 6-10 and particularly March 7, 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.