Martinique: General strike February 5

Event

Various unions called for a 24-hour strike throughout the island on Tuesday, February 5, reportedly in support of the "yellow vest" movement.

As such, significant disruptions are to be anticipated. Education services are likely to be particularly disrupted. Disruptions in health, administrative, and public transportations services, as well as disruptions in commercial activity, are also likely.

Associated protests are also possible.

Context

The "yellow vest" movement began on November 17, 2018, to protest rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax, and has since grown to encompass a number of popular grievances against the French government; some protests have turned violent, although the scale of protests has diminished since their height in December. The government had previously announced a tax increase on fuel prices, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices. Although the government announced the withdrawal of the carbon tax project from the 2019 budget on December 5, protests have continued.

Advice

Individuals in Martinique are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid all protests.