Massive protests are scheduled across France, organized by the CGT union in response to a spike in layoffs affecting various sectors. Demonstrations will express solidarity with striking railway workers and civil servants. While TGV services remain largely unaffected, regional trains may face disruptions. The Montreuil union is calling for collective action to protect jobs, amidst concerns over weakened support for mobilization. Strikes continue in sectors like SNCF and energy, reflecting ongoing unrest over employment rights.
Massive Mobilizations Across France for Employment Rights
On Thursday, nearly 120 protests and gatherings are set to unfold across France, from Marseille to Rennes and including Paris, organized by the CGT union. They are joined by Solidaires and the FSU in response to a concerning surge in layoffs sweeping through various sectors.
Sophie Binet, the leader of the CGT, emphasized that Thursday will serve as a day of solidarity with railway workers striking against the dismantling of freight rail services and civil servants advocating for adequate budgeting to meet their demands. She stated, “We need a government that responds to the social emergency!”
Impact on Rail Services and Job Security
While normal traffic is expected for TGV trains, regional services may experience slight disruptions, with an average of eight out of ten trains running nationally. In Île-de-France, RER D and the Transilien R line will face significant interruptions, operating at one-third and one-fifth capacity, respectively.
The wave of layoffs is alarming, with announcements coming from various sectors, including retail giants like Auchan and Michelin, as well as subcontractors and smaller businesses. The CGT recorded 286 layoff plans in late November, which has since escalated to 300, potentially putting up to 300,000 jobs at risk, according to Altares data.
In light of this situation, the Montreuil union is urging collective actions to safeguard jobs and industry, with mobilizations planned in nearly 80 departments across the country. In a bold move, they have encouraged workers to strike and occupy their workplaces to halt layoffs.
As the nation awaits a new Prime Minister following recent government changes, Binet warns that December may be marked by significant unrest, stating, “It’s not the red of Santa Claus.” However, a union source expresses concern about the ability to rally support, noting, “It’s complicated to mobilize when you know you don’t have interlocutors facing you.”
The day’s events will kick off early, with the first gathering at 6:00 AM in Aurillac, followed by demonstrations in Toulouse, Marseille, and Nantes. A notable gathering will occur at 11:00 AM in front of the Grenoble prefecture, where companies like Vencorex and Valeo are under threat.
While the inter-union remains divided on strategies, Solidaires and FSU have joined the movement, emphasizing that public service workers should not be subject to the same treatment as those facing layoffs. In Paris, a unified demonstration by CGT, FSU, and Solidaires will take place at 2:00 PM from Place de la Bastille.
At SNCF, the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions continue their strike to demand a moratorium on the dismantling of SNCF Freight and to protest regional line competition terms. The electricity and gas sector also sees ongoing strikes at GRT Gaz, highlighting a continued commitment to mobilization efforts.