Large-Scale Strikes and Protests Against Austerity Measures Across France on the 18th

Major French Unions Designate a "Day of Joint Action"

Large-scale strikes and protests against the government's austerity measures are expected to take place across France.

A Korean restaurant in downtown Paris caught fire on the 10th due to the aftermath of protests. Photo by Yonhap News

According to major local media outlets on September 16 (local time), major labor unions in France have designated September 18 as a day of joint action. As of September 15, 40 rallies had already been reported nationwide, and more are expected to be registered by the day of the event. This marks the second round of anti-government protests, following the "national paralysis" civil movement held on September 10.

Intelligence authorities estimate that the number of participants on September 18 will exceed the 200,000 people (according to the Ministry of the Interior) who gathered on September 10, reaching more than 400,000. In Paris, the capital, between 30,000 and 60,000 people are expected to gather, while around 100,000 are anticipated in the western regions.

Significant disruptions are expected in the transportation sector. First, three unions at the French National Railway Company (SNCF) will go on strike. As a result, a large number of train cancellations and delays are likely to occur across the national railway network.

Philippe Tabarot, the Minister of Transport who resigned following a vote of no confidence in the cabinet, expressed concern during an interview with Radio France Info on September 11 that September 18 "is likely to be a day of darkness." He warned that some unions might submit strike notices at the last minute, making it impossible for railway operators to guarantee even minimal services.

The four major unions of the Paris Transport Authority (RATP) have also announced a strike on September 18 in a joint statement. The RER suburban rapid transit system and the Transilien suburban rail network are also expected to be affected by the strike.

However, strikes in the aviation sector are expected to be limited. The largest union of French air traffic controllers has postponed its planned strike on September 18 to early October, as the dissolution of the cabinet has left them without a government counterpart to negotiate with. The largest union of airline pilots will also not participate in the strike on September 18.

The education sector is also expected to join the strike. French teachers have consistently protested against staff shortages and low wages. In addition to these groups, workers in the electricity and gas sectors, pharmacists, and physical therapists are also expected to participate, raising concerns that many pharmacies and physical therapy facilities may close on September 18.

Sophie Binet, Secretary-General of the militant General Confederation of Labor (CGT), stated the previous day, "You must strike while the iron is hot," emphasizing the need to "consign the Bayrou (former prime minister) budget proposal to history, achieve tax justice, withdraw pension reform, secure funding for public services, and raise wages and pensions."