France stages first nationwide strikes since failed pension protests

Nationwide strikes and protests against the French government's pension reform brought much of the country to a standstill in 2023 before the bill was forced through parliament. REUTERS - SARAH MEYSSONNIER

Major French unions representing workers in the transport, education and health sectors are striking Friday to protest austerity measures and demand increased wages and gender equality.

France went through a major cross-union strike movement from January to May to fight the government's pension reform, albeit unsuccessfully.

Friday's action will see primary school teachers and transport workers – including those in civil aviation – walk off the job.

Significant flight disruptions are expected at airports across France as some air traffic controllers join the strike.

Aviation authorities expect 40 percent of flights at Paris's Orly Airport to be cancelled, 20 percent in Marseille and 15 percent at the smaller Beavais Airport near Paris.

Flight disruptions could extend into Saturday morning.

🔥 Grèves et manifs partout en France le 13/10 !

Soyons nombreux·ses à répondre à l'appel de l'intersyndicale pour revendiquer de meilleurs salaires, une meilleure répartition des richesses et bien plus encore

Trouvez la mobilisation près de chez vous 👇https://t.co/Fh5cQB86D9 pic.twitter.com/iutmzh2oSr

— La CGT (@lacgtcommunique) October 6, 2023

Meanwhile disruption to regional and intercity rail transport is expected, with at least three railway unions urging staff to walk off the job.

State-owned rail service provider SNCF anticipates high-speed TGV trains to operate mostly normally.

The energy production sector will also be affected with workers at electricity company EDF on strike. Past industrial action at EDF has seen power cuts of several gigawatts from nuclear and hydro plants.

'Black Friday' for private doctors

Coincidently private doctors have called a separate strike for Friday ahead of new price negotiations and the examination of a bill on the matter in the Senate.

Dubbed Black Friday, the action is intended to send a "strong signal" to authorities, organisers said, adding the strike would be renewed.

Medical consultations have been cancelled and emergency treatments transferred to public hospitals.

The unions are hoping for a significant turnout to demonstrate that without private doctors, which represent about 10 percent of the workforce, France's healthcare system would be in trouble.

(with newswires)