December 2 Strike: Anticipated School and Transport Disruptions
A significant inter-union strike is scheduled for December 2 in France, organized by major labor groups including the CGT, FSU, and Solidaires. The aim is to exert pressure on the government as it prepares to examine the 2026 budget proposal. This upcoming strike emphasizes the need for social and fiscal justice, as well as the preservation of public services.
Overview of the December 2 Strike
The CGT, FSU, and Solidaires have united to denounce what they consider serious regressions affecting workers and public services. Their demands include:
- Withdrawal of planned job cuts
- Increased salaries to counteract the freeze on pay scales
- Emphasis on social and fiscal justice
The strike targets all workers, including those in both public and private sectors, retired individuals, youth, and job seekers. However, the formal strike notices mainly affect the public service sector.
Planned Demonstrations and Gatherings
Demonstrations are set to occur nationwide, with initial gatherings already planned in cities such as:
- Bordeaux
- La Rochelle
- Châteaubriant
- Lens
- Douai
- Dijon
- Millau
- Le Havre
- Rouen
Expected Disruptions in Transport and Education
Anticipate notable disruptions in transportation services. The CGT Cheminots (railway workers) have warned of possible delays and cancellations on the railway network. Detailed traffic forecasts from SNCF will be provided by December 1 at 5 PM.
Additionally, a strike notice has been issued for RATP, which will affect services from December 1 at 6 PM to December 3 at 7 AM. The airline sector will also see protests from minor pilot unions at Air France opposing job cuts on December 2 and 3.
In the education sector, class closures and teacher absences are likely. Unions highlight concerns over the loss of 4,018 positions in secondary education, coupled with staff reductions in primary schools. Municipalities have already warned families receiving childcare and after-school services about potential disruptions.
Furthermore, various hospital services and governmental administrations may also be affected due to strike notices covering state and territorial public services. As the December 2 strike approaches, the anticipation of widespread mobilizations grows, signaling a critical moment in French labor relations.
