France: Labor unions plan further nationwide multi-sector strike and protests, June 6 /update 1

Event

Labor unions and opposition parties are planning a nationwide multi-sector strike, and associated demonstrations, June 6. This will be the fourteenth nationwide event since January in the campaign against the government's pension reforms. As of May 31, the likely scale of the disruptions is not known.

Strikes
The national rail operator SNCF has yet to confirm the impact on train timetables on June 6. However, delays and cancellations are likely to impact SNCF services nationwide. Similar disruptions are likely for 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 cancellations.

As of May 31, it is not known whether the union representing air traffic controllers (ATC) will participate in the strike. Previous actions have led to flight disruptions at French airports and for flights operating in French airspace. For such 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). Lingering disruptions are likely at 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 June 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.

Demonstrations
Based on previous events, tens of thousands are likely to attend events across France on June 6. The largest demonstration will likely be in Paris. Other confirmed protests are also likely to draw significant attendance; the times and locations of the rallies are not yet known.

Civil Unrest
Separate from the June 6 strikes and demonstrations, further short-notice protests are likely in the coming days to denounce the government's pension reforms. Activists have targeted government ministers as they attend business meetings or other official engagements. In late May, rallies and protests took place in Lille, Lyon, Paris, and Rennes. Further small-scale and short-notice demonstrations are highly likely.

Authorities will probably deploy an increased security presence to the sites of additional demonstrations and around government buildings. Protesters may block major roads - especially ring roads close to major cities - and obstruct access to transport hubs, such as bus and train depots. Demonstrators may also engage in further acts of vandalism, including arson. Large crowds and associated security measures may prompt authorities to close roads and enact temporary movement restrictions, resulting in localized traffic disruptions. Clashes between activists and security services cannot be ruled out; riot police may use tear gas or similar measures to disperse unruly crowds.

Context

The government's pension reform raises the retirement age from 62 to 64 and is a landmark policy of President Emmanuel Macron. Labor unions and opposition parties have led 13 days of national general strikes since Jan. 19. Hundreds of major demonstrations across the country have accompanied the industrial action.

The demonstrations have become increasingly intense and frequently violent after the president invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, enabling the government to pass the pension reform without requiring a vote in the National Assembly. On April 14, the Constitutional Council partially approved the pension reform plan, after which the president signed the increased pension age into law.

Advice

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.