France: Activists to continue strikes and protests against pension reform in France through early April; nationwide action planned for April 6 /update 14

Event

Widespread civil unrest related to pension reforms will likely continue causing nationwide disruptions through mid-April. Labor unions and activist groups are continuing a campaign of strike and protest action denouncing pension reform. The multi-sector union federation has announced an eleventh day of nationwide strikes on April 6.

Strikes
Public transport will be severely disrupted during the multi-sector strike on April 6. The national rail operator SNCF has yet to confirm the impact on train timetables as of April 4. However, delays and cancelations are likely to impact SNCF services nationwide. Similar disruptions are likely to impact Parisien Public Transport Operator (RATP) services in the capital and other regional public transport networks in urban centers nationwide. Strikes could also impact Eurostar services resulting in delays and cancelations.

At least one union representing air traffic controllers (ATC) has confirmed their participation in the April 6 strike. The action could lead to flight disruptions at French airports and for flights operating in French airspace. For previous ATC strikes, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has asked airlines to reduce flight schedules by 20-25 percent at several airports, including Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD), Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS), and Nantes-Antlantique Airport (NTE). A 20 percent reduction in flights is in place at ORY, BOD, and MRS as of April 4. Lingering disruptions are likely to impact affected airports following strike days as airlines reposition aircraft and crew and airports work through passenger backlogs.

Unions representing public sector workers will likely call on members to participate in the April 6 action. Educational, healthcare, and local government facilities may close or offer reduced 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.

Industrial action in oil refineries across France since March 7 is impacting fuel supplies. Some fuel service stations are experiencing fuel shortages, particularly in the south of France, the west, and Brittany. More severe shortages are possible in the coming days. While waste collectors in most cities have ended their industrial action, including in Paris, workers in some municipalities, including Saint-Brieuc and Le Havre, remain on strike. Uncollected waste is accumulating in some urban areas, posing a possible health hazard. Waste collectors in Paris have filed a notice to resume striking from April 13.

Demonstrations
Demonstrations are widespread and occur daily in most major cities, particularly Paris. Protesters can block major roads, typically ring roads close to major cities, and obstruct access to transport hubs such as bus and train depots. Clashes have broken out, and police have resorted to using teargas in several locations in recent days. Further clashes are likely at all major future gatherings.

La France Insoumise, a political party, is calling for protests against the pension reform and police violence outside prefecture buildings in urban centers nationwide on the evening of April 4. In France, activists will gather at Place du Chatelet from 18:30.

Based on previous events, tens of thousands are likely to attend events across France on April 6. The largest demonstration will likely be in Paris, where activists will march from Invalides to Place d'Italie from 14:00. Other confirmed demonstrations likely to draw significant attendance on April 6 start at the following times and locations:

Bordeaux: Allees de Tourny, 12:00
Lille: Porte de Paris, 14:30
Lyon: Place Jean Mace, 11:00
Marseille: Vieux Port, 10:30
Nantes: Miroir d'Eau, 10:00
Nice: Jardins Albert-1er, 10:00
Rennes: Place de Bretagne, 10:00
Strasbourg: Avenue de la Liberte, 14:00
Toulouse: Jean Juares, 14:30

The unrest shows no signs of abating, and the government has not indicated a willingness to abandon its pension reform initiative; hence, planned and spontaneous protests will probably continue through at least mid-April. Authorities will maintain an increased security presence near any demonstrations that materialize and near government buildings. Large crowds and associated security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will result in localized transport disruptions. Clashes between activists and security services are possible; riot police may use tear gas or similar measures to disperse unruly crowds.

Context

Disruptive demonstrations broke out nationwide in reaction to the government invoking Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the pension reform without requiring a vote in the National Assembly. The reform raises the retirement age from 62 to 64. The proposed amendment has prompted widespread civil unrest through early 2023. President Emanuel Macron's government has narrowly survived two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly in recent days, clearing the way for the bill to become law. Further protests are almost certain.

Advice

Confirm all transport reservations as well as public- and private-sector appointments through early April, 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.