France is again bracing for a turbulent September as unions across key sectors prepare a fresh wave of strikes and protests. It raises the prospect of widespread disruption to transport and public services.
Union leaders say the actions are aimed at pressuring the government over measures to further re-balance the budget. It would affect working conditions, pay, the cost of living as well as degraded public services due to cuts.
Rail workers, teachers, healthcare staff, and civil servants are among those expected to walk off the job in coordinated strikes on September 10. Massive demonstrations could then take place on that date all across the country while most French political parties calling now for a complete shut-down on that day.
Amid rising anger, Prime Minister François Bayrou qualified the wave of protests as “disorder”. He denounced the planned September 10 mobilization. “This is not what France is about, to be brought down by disorder,” he stated.
Air traffic controllers are also calling for a strike movement on September 18. Union SNCTA, which represents about 60 percent of controllers, explained that it had repeatedly sought to resolve the dispute. Despite negotiations, it reached an impasse.
“On numerous occasions, the SNCTA has favored social dialogue and made concrete proposals,” the union said in a statement. “It is clear that this fruitless dialogue is now blocking any prospect of progress and reform.”
The planned strike threatens fresh disruption to flights across France, as it already did at the start of the summer holiday in early July.
