France gears up for strikes and protests as unions promise national mobilisation
Five of France's unions have joined a wave of strikes and protests in a national day of action.
Key points
- Five French unions have joined strikes and protests expected to draw 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators on 5 November.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed, promising an extremely firm response to violence.
- Unions are demanding higher wages, including a rise in the minimum wage, currently €12.31 an hour.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to march across France on 5 November as five unions combine strikes and protests in a national day of action. Authorities expect 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators, with tens of thousands more in Paris alone.
The protests began in September with high school students complaining about poor conditions and resources in education, and have since spread to include the yellow vest movement and workers. More than 250 separate actions are planned, with some disruption reported in schools, hospitals and public transport.
Union demands and government response
The unions, spanning the public and private sectors, are demanding higher wages to combat the cost of living and protected public services. They are seeking a rise in the minimum wage, or Smic, currently €12.31 an hour. CFDT head Marylise Léon said a net increase of €100 a month was needed.
The government has tried to ease anger over rising prices by releasing 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves to lower fuel costs. Ministers have also promised students to reform the Parcoursup university admissions platform and eventually replace it by 2028.
The time has come to take the mobilisation to the next level; the strike must take over.
— Sophie Binet
Security and march route
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed, vowing "an extremely firm response" to any outbreaks of violence. He cited three risks: radical left black blocs groups, looting, and wildcat marches without union authorisation.
The Paris march will be allowed through the centre but not along the unions' proposed route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Concorde, which would have passed near the National Assembly, the Élysée Palace and Hôtel Matignon. It will instead run from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. The CFDT complained that court approval came only on Wednesday evening, making organisation harder.
