France: Unions set to continue nationwide strikes and demonstrations; major strike planned March 15 /update 6

Unions continue campaign of nationwide strikes, and demonstrations across France; a further general strike is planned March 15.

Event

A coalition of major labor unions, opposition political parties, and activist groups in mainland France plan to hold a day of nationwide strikes and protests on March 15. The industrial action is part of an ongoing campaign denouncing the government's proposed pension reforms to raise the retirement age. Nationwide disruptions from sector-specific strikes continue on March 14, including national and regional train services.

As of March 14, the Direction General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has canceled 20 percent of flights at Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to mitigate disruptions from the air traffic controllers (ATC) strike. Further cancellations are possible at regional airports, such as Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), and Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD). On previous strike days, around 20 percent of flights were canceled at these locations.

Disruptions are ongoing on March 14 on French National Railway Company (SNCF) and Parisien Public Transport Operator (RATP) services following the latest round of strikes launched on March 12. Around 30 percent of RER local rail services in the Paris region are currently affected. The nationwide actions planned for March 15 will likely increase schedule disruption. Eurostar has canceled several services March 14-15. Additionally, local public transport strikes will almost certainly prompt disruptions to metro, bus, tram, and local rail services.

Public Sector

Unions representing public sector workers will likely call on members to participate in the March 15 action. Healthcare unions could join in the strike action prompting disruption to healthcare services, though 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 plan to stage related demonstrations nationwide in towns and city centers on March 15. The most significant events are likely to be:

Paris: 14:00, at Invalides.
Lille: 14:30 at Porte de Paris.
Lyon: 13:00 at Manufacture des Tabacs.
Marseille: 10:30 at Vieux-Port.
Nice: 10:00 at Place Massena.
Rennes: 11:00 at Place de Bretagne.
Toulouse: 15:00 at Saint-Cyprien.

Further demonstrations are planned in towns and cities nationwide; likely locations are central squares and 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.

Context

On March 11, France's Senat passed the controversial pension reform bill. It will now be updated to final draft status, before being re-presented to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senat.

Advice

Confirm all transport reservations as well as public- and private-sector appointments through March 15, including at public health centers and other government facilities. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate personal exposure to any 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.