France: Truck drivers launch strike and roadblocks Sep. 25 /update 2

Event

On Monday, September 25, truck drivers throughout France launched a renewable strike to protest new labor reforms introduced by the Macron government set to deregulate the labor market. Striking drivers have erected roadblocks preventing access to fuel deports across the country and are driving at reduced speed on major roads, causing significant traffic congestion around main cities. The Normandy region is reportedly particularly affected.

Significant waiting times were already reported at gas stations on Sunday as people lined up to stock up on fuel in anticipation of the strike. Unions have threatened to renew the strike indefinitely until their demands are met and as such shortages could intensify in the coming days.

Police forces were deployed at dawn, in anticipation of the industrial action, to prevent unionists from blocking access to all fuel depots.

Context

On Friday, Macron officially signed these labor reforms contained in five executive orders. They have not been ratified by the legislative branch but will still take effect in the coming days.

This ongoing strike follows a series of industrial actions staged including two nationwide strikes on September 12 and 21 rallying hundreds of thousands of demonstrators. Further, on Saturday, September 23, a mass protest march was held in Paris, led by former presidential candidate and current leader of the political party “La France Insoumise” Jean-Luc Mélenchon, gathering 30,000 people according to police estimates.

Advice

Travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation and anticipate transportation disruptions.