France: Multiple labor unions plan strikes and demonstrations nationwide, Oct. 12-14 /update 2

Event

Multiple labor unions plan strikes and demonstrations nationwide Oct. 12-14. Labor unions are demanding improved salaries, gender equality, and other social measures. The general strike will impact travel, education, public administration, and healthcare sectors on Oct. 13.

Air traffic controllers (ATC) represented by the USAC CGT and UNSA-Civil Aviation unions have announced their intention to join the strike. The ATC strike will be observed from 17:00 Oct. 12 to 04:00 Oct. 14; significant flight disruptions are likely. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has asked airlines to reduce flight operations by 40 percent at Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), 20 percent at Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS), and 15 percent at Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA). Lingering disruptions are likely at affected airports following the strike as airlines reposition aircraft and crew and airports work through passenger backlogs.

The national rail operator SNCF and the Paris region public transport operator RATP will publish revised schedules for Oct. 13 at 17:00 Oct. 12. Three of four unions representing SNCF workers will observe the strike, while only one union representing workers at RATP will observe the strike. The latest RATP schedules can be viewed here, and SNCF disruptions here.

Labor unions will organize rallies and protests in urban centers across the country. As of Oct. 12, over 200 rallies are likely nationwide. The largest of these will likely be in Paris on Oct. 13. Attendees will gather at 14:00 at Place d'Italie and march to Place Vauban; it is likely that tens of thousands will take part. In other major urban centers, attendance will likely reach into the thousands. Demonstrations are likely to take place in major public spaces, central squares, and in front of government buildings.

Doctors' unions are also planning industrial action nationwide on Oct. 13. Generalist doctors are demanding increased fees for routine consultations and greater investment in the medical profession. The Confederation of French Medical Unions (CSMF) has called for an "unlimited" strike, however, it is likely that the initial impact of the strike will likely be felt on Oct. 13 only. Further strike days are likely. The strike will prompt disruptions to healthcare services, including a reduction in available services and cancelations of routine appointments. Disruptions could persist following strike days as medical facilities deal with a backlog of patients. Demonstrations outside medical facilities are possible.

In similar nationwide strikes between January and May, rail services and public transport operations were typically reduced by between 30 and 50 percent on strike days in different regions. Similar disruptions are possible on Oct. 13, although they are unconfirmed as of Oct. 12. Additional police will likely deploy to ensure security throughout the strike period. Road closures may prompt localized traffic disruptions. The events are likely to conclude peacefully, although scuffles with police and vandalism cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Reconfirm business meetings scheduled for Oct. 13 at government offices and other public sector agencies. Reconfirm appointments at public healthcare facilities, as well as public transportation operating schedules. Reconfirm flights scheduled Oct. 12-14, and 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. Heed instructions from local authorities and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.

Resources

RATP

SNCF