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General Strike, Protests March 31 -
France
France -
French unions call for nationwide general strike,
protests March 31. Expect
widespread air, rail, and ground transport
disruptions possible.
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Event:
Nationwide general strike
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Date:
March 31
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Impact: Mass protests; widespread air, rail,
and ground transport disruptions
Summary
Several major French labor and student unions have
called for a nationwide general strike and day of
protest March 31 over a government-proposed labor
reform law. Though the extent of worker participation
remains unclear, the walkout will likely cause
widespread disruptions across the country's rail and
public transit networks, as well as possible flight
disruptions.
Aviation
A number of unions representing Air France (AF)
employees are urging members - including pilots - to
participate in the March 31 work stoppage. The
National Union of Commercial Navigation Personnel
(SNPNC) has also called on French flight crews to
strike. While union leaders will not announce the
exact nature or extent of the labor action until 48
hours before it begins, the walkout does have the
potential to prompt widespread disruptions, including
flight delays and cancellations. French air traffic
controller (ATC) unions have not yet announced whether
their members will take part in the strike.
Rail
A strike by train drivers and other railway workers
will affect services across France's national
state-owned rail company, SNCF. Schedule alterations,
including service cancellations and delays, will not
be announced until 24-48 in advance of the walkout.
Though the most severe disruptions are expected on
regional services, long-distance rail - such as the
high-speed TGV - may also be affected. The strike
could also disrupt international rail services,
including Thalys and Eurostar. Freight services
operated by the SNCF will likely be interrupted during
the labor action.
Public Transport
Paris public transportation (RATP) workers have been
called to strike March 31, potentially disrupting the
RATP-operated metro, bus, tram, and two commuter rail
lines, including mass transit to and from Charles de
Gaulle Airport (CDG). Expect overcrowding on the
services that do operate, as well as significant
traffic congestion on major roadways, as passengers
are forced to rely on private vehicles. Public transit
networks in other cities across France may also be
disrupted; local transport operators will announce
expected service interruptions in the coming days.
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