What to expect from December 2 strike across France

Disruption is expected across France next Tuesday (December 2) as several major unions call for strike action from members.

The multi-sector CGT and Solidaires unions are backing the action, alongside the FSU teaching union. 

They are striking to show their opposition to the budget which, although still being debated, contains several proposed cuts to public services including 4,000 teaching jobs.

Alongside the education sector, transport, health, and public services are likely to be impacted.

Education

The education sector is likely to be the hardest hit due to the FSU union backing the strike. 

Alongside teachers, additional staff such as canteen workers and cleaners may also take action. 

At primary level (maternelles and écoles), schools and local communes are bound by minimum service requirements, and will have to accept children. 

This will either be at the school itself, or mairies must organise the service if more than 25% of teaching staff are on strike and schools cannot open safely.

At lycées and collèges minimum service rules are not in place – even if some classes are cancelled, schools can remain open. However, schools may close if enough teaching staff walk out, and parents will have to arrange their own childcare for the day.

Parents are encouraged to contact schools today or Monday to find out the expected status for Tuesday’s strike – schools should know the expected walkout levels today – to see if they need to make alternative arrangements. 

Even if schools are open, canteens and other extracurricular services may be unavailable. 

Older students are being encouraged to support the strikes, and there may be disruption at universities by staff members and students.

Public transport 

There is currently no information on how disruptive the strikes will be to France’s transport network, although some issues are expected. 

The CGT urged its rail branch to back the strike, particularly non-rail staff (emergency medical professionals, customer support, etc) which may cause repercussions. 

One-day strikes generally tend to impact regional networks (TER trains) more than high-speed TGV services. During recent strike periods state rail operator SNCF has largely managed to avoid major disruption with the use of volunteer workers.

A full timetable of disruption will be available on Monday, December 1 at 17:00 through official SNCF channels including the SNCFConnect website. 

At this stage local public transport operators have not signalled an intention to strike. This includes the RATP in Paris. 

However, it is worth checking on Monday evening with your local operator (metro, tram, bus, etc) to see if any disruption is expected. 

Ferry services do not look set to be affected by the strike, and airport staff/air traffic controllers have not announced they are joining the movement. 

Public services 

Public sector workers and civil servants are already covered by strike motions across December filed by the CGT and Solidaires unions and may opt to join action on December 2. 

This is likely to affect public information points and services such as mairies, prefectures, and tax, CAF benefits, and France Travail offices, all of which may see reduced services. 

If planning to use these services on Tuesday, check ahead of time if physical offices will be open, or use online versions where possible. 

Health 

The strike notice covers workers in public hospitals, clinics, and social health (carers, etc).

Non-urgent appointments with medical surgeries and hospital outpatient units may be rescheduled although serious medical emergencies care should remain unimpacted. 

If you have an appointment scheduled on December 2, check with the service to see if you are affected.