France gears up for strikes and protests as unions promise national mobilisation
Summary
Five French unions called a national day of strikes and protests on 5 November, with authorities expecting 500,000 to 700,000 people to join marches. The unions are seeking higher wages, including a €100 monthly increase and a rise in the minimum wage, and protections for public services.Key Facts
- More than 250 actions were planned across France.
- The government deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes and warned it would respond firmly to violence.
- Disruption was reported at schools, hospitals and public transport.
- Workers were urged to halt production at oil refineries, while disruption at nuclear plants was expected to leave France importing more electricity than it produced.
- The minimum wage, known as the Smic, was €12.31 an hour.
- The government released 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves to reduce fuel costs.
- The Paris march was routed from Place de la République to Place de la Nation, rather than along the route unions proposed.
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