France: Unionized public sector workers to strike and protest nationwide March 19 /update 1

Unionized public sector employees plan to strike and protest across France on March 19. The CGT and Solidaires labor unions are demanding increased wages for affiliated workers. Thousands of people may attend related rallies in Paris and other major cities. Planned demonstrations include the following:

• Bordeaux: Protest at Prefecture de la Gironde building on Esplanade Charles de Gaulle from 12:00.

• Lille: Protest at Porte de Paris from 14:30.

• Lyon: Protest at Place Jean Mace from 11:00.

• Marseille: Protest at Saint Vincent de Paul Church (Eglise Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, also known as Les Reformes) on Cours Franklin Roosevelt from 10:30.

• Montpellier: Protest at Place Albert 1er from 14:00.

• Nantes: Protest at Prefecture de la Loire-Atlantique on Quai Ceineray from 10:30.

• Paris: Protest participants will gather at Luxembourg Station before departing at 14:00 and marching to the Ministry of the Civil Service building on Rue de Grenelle. Protest organizers did not immediately detail a precise march route.

• Toulouse: Protest at Place du Capitole from 14:00.

The work stoppage will likely disrupt local government operations and the provision of public services. Local authorities will probably deploy an increased security presence to demonstration sites. Protest activity and any heightened security measures that authorities impose will likely cause localized transport disruptions, including at public transport hubs. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.