04 Dec 2024 | 09:47 AM UTC
France: Unionized teachers and public sector workers to strike and protest nationwide Dec. 5 /update 2
Unionized teachers and public sector workers plan to strike and protest across France Dec. 5. Flights canceled in anticipation of strike.
Education and public sector unions plan to strike nationwide on Dec. 5 and will likely stage protests in major cities. As a preventative measure, flight schedules are being reduced at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) on Dec. 5. Members of multiple teachers' unions, including the FSU, UNSA Education, CFDT EFRP, CGT Educ'action, SNALC, and SUD Education, are likely to take part. The action is to denounce planned government reforms in the education sector. Participation numbers remain unclear; however, the strike is likely to prompt employee absenteeism in the event that parents cannot source alternative childcare. It is not immediately clear where demonstrations will occur; these are most likely at government buildings and educational establishments across France.
Public sector labor unions, including the CGT, CFDT, UNSA, FSU, Solidaires, CFE-CGC, and FA-FP, have also called for industrial action to denounce government budget reductions. Striking workers plan to protest in dozens of centers across France. The largest event is likely to be in Paris, where workers will gather from 14:00 at Place du Bataillon-du-Pacifique, Bercy.
In anticipation of these strikes and to prevent significant flight disruptions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) requested on Dec. 3 that airlines reduce their schedules on Dec. 5. Flights are expected to be reduced by 10 percent at CDG between 06:00-12:00, by 25 percent at ORY from 18:00, by 50 percent at MRS from 18:00, and by 20 percent at TLS throughout the day.
Authorities will likely deploy increased security to monitor the protests. Transport disruptions are likely near demonstration sites. Potential employee absenteeism may prompt business disruptions. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are possible throughout the day at French airports as airlines work through passenger backlogs.
Plan accordingly for increased absenteeism among employees who are parents or guardians of school-aged children on Dec. 5. Contact airlines directly if transiting through CDG, ORY, MRS, or TLS on Dec. 5. Do not check out of accommodations until travel is confirmed. Arrive at airports early to account for possible passenger processing delays. As a standard precaution, avoid all protests. Allow additional time if traveling near protest sites. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities.
