The wage strike is limited in scope but threatens to drag on, particularly in the oil and energy sector, where it has been entrenched for weeks, and in public transport.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in several cities in France and Iparralde on a day of mobilizations by which unions want to demand salary improvements that offset the rise in inflation in recent months, in a new social boost to the government of Emmanuel Macron. The strike is limited in scope but threatens to drag on, particularly in the oil and energy sector, where it has been entrenched for weeks, and in public transport.
As reported by the LAB union in a note, more than 2,000 workers have taken to the streets in Baiona, Lapurdi, “defending the right to strike as a means of struggle for the working class”.
Four unions, including the General Confederation of Labor (CBT), professionals from all sectors, both public and private, have called to protest and ask the French government to take short- and medium-term measures against inflation, which stood at 5.6% yoy in September.
Mobilization in Paris. Photo: EFE
The protests have taken place in the main cities, but there have been no major impacts in the sectors considered important.
In the capital, the march has attracted thousands of people and has led to some moments of tension, with police accusations in front of groups firing projectiles, according to The Figaro.
The leader of the CGT, Philippe Martinezwho led the march in Paris urged French President Emmanuel Macron and his government to “take into account the social emergency” and take action as soon as possible.
Demonstration in Paris. Photo: EFE
Among those who have lent their support to these marches is the main leader of the French left, Jean-Luc Melenchonwhile the extreme right Marine LePen has used the mobilizations to executive financial management.
The mobilization is also preceded by the strikes in the refineries, which has caused problems in the ‘stock’ of petrol stations. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has confirmed in the National Assembly that “less than 25%” of gas stations are already without supplies, after authorities set the figure at 28.1% on Monday, Franceinfo reports.
One of the most visible aspects of this strike day was, as usual, the public transportwhere there have been disturbances, but by no means generalized.
In the railways, was the biggest impact on regional trains, as only half ran, and also on trains near Paris (a quarter of the usual services were canceled on some lines) or on buses in the capital, as a third of the total was deleted. In the subway, the situation was almost normal.
the ministry of Education indicated in the afternoon that just over 6% of the teachers had declared themselves unemployed.
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Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
