France: General nationwide strike September 12 /update 1

Event

The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), a major labor union, has called upon all French workers, both in the private and public sector, to strike on Tuesday, September 12, in opposition to new labor laws.

Although the impact of the strike is not yet known, other major French unions, including Solidaires and the main union in the education sector, the Fédération Syndicale Unitaire, have called upon their workers to join the industrial action. A protest march is planned in Paris on September 12 starting at 14:00 (local time) at the Bastille and ending at Place d’Italie. Further protests are set to place throughout major cities in France.

Public transport is also likely to be affected in various cities across France. Rail workers of France’s national railway company, the SNCF, are expected to stage a strike from Monday, September 11, at 19:00 (local time) to Wednesday, September 13, at 08:00. Train delays and cancelations may occur as a result.

Air traffic is also expected to experience some disruptions as unions representing Air France cabin crew personnel have called upon their employees to participate in the strike. This will overlap  with an unrelated strike by Air France pilots, which is planned for September 8 through September 12. 

Context

Former presidential candidate and head of the political party “La France Insoumise”, Jean-Luc Mélanchon, has also called upon French workers to strike on September 23.

Advice

Individuals in France are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations, to confirm their travel reservations, and to monitor developments to the situation.