Reunion: Activists plan general strike and protests territorywide April 6; additional actions likely through April 15 /update 1

Event

Strikes and protests are likely to persist territorywide through at least April 15. A coalition of major unions has called for an islandwide general strike and protests on April 6 to denounce a recently proposed pension reform raising the retirement age. In Saint-Denis, participants will gather from 09:00 at the Petit Marche and march towards the Prefecture building. In Saint-Pierre, participants will gather from 09:00 at a roundabout located along Boulevard Bank and march towards the Front de Mer.

Union representatives also intend to launch several special actions April 6-14 near shopping centers; further details are unavailable as of writing. In the past, activists have organized go-slow convoys and disrupted access to and from Roland Garros Airport (RUN), as well as port operations.

It is unclear how many participants the events may draw nor the level of adherence to the work stoppage. The strike could cause disruptions to transport and other services April 6. Heightened security and localized road disruptions are likely near all protests and actions. Most actions will probably remain largely peaceful, though isolated clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

A coalition of major labor unions, opposition political parties, and activist groups continue a campaign of strikes and associated protests across France and its overseas territories as of April 4. Further action against the pension reform will likely occur in the coming weeks unless the government abandons the proposed legislation, which appears unlikely at the time of writing.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations. Reconfirm business appointments and travel arrangements, particularly on April 6. Heed the instructions of local authorities; leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Anticipate further actions in the coming days.