French unions call mass strikes on Friday
The group representing France's biggest trade unions has called for a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations on Friday to demand pay increases across multiple industries to tackle the rising cost of living.
The intersyndicale - the group that represents the eight main union federations in France - has called for a day of strikes and demonstrations on Friday, October 13th, focused on issues of pay, the cost of living, gender equality and the environment.
The 'day of action' was first announced in August, but union leaders have now confirmed that the actions will include strikes, and filed strike notices for key sectors including transport.
A joint statement from the federations said: "Our organisations are calling for a day of mobilisations and demonstrations on Friday, October 13th, 2023, against austerity and for higher wages, pensions and gender equality."
The intersyndicale added: "At a time when profits are soaring in most major companies, it is more imperative than ever to share the wealth produced more equitably. One-off measures, mainly financed by the State, are insufficient to meet inflation and rising costs such as energy, food and housing.
"Our organisations reaffirm that this issue requires an increase in the minimum wage and wage policies in all sectors, companies and the civil service.
"We call on employers to open negotiations at all levels. Better distribution of wealth for the benefit of employees is also a powerful lever in the fight against inequality, particularly between men and women."
The exact details of which sectors will be affected by the strikes will be revealed in the days to come - but the group represents members of the CFDT, CGT, FO, CFTC, CFE-CGC, Unsa, Solidaires and FSU unions, which between them represent workers in a wide range from industries from transport staff to oil refinery workers, waste collectors, teachers and civil servants.
It is not yet clear how many workers will heed the call, but coordinated union activities can lead to widespread disruption including flight, train and Metro cancellations and school closures.
There could be disruption across Europe, as the European Trade Union Confederation is also reportedly planning to call for October strike action.
You can find all the latest on strike announcements and travel disruption in our strike section here.
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The intersyndicale - the group that represents the eight main union federations in France - has called for a day of strikes and demonstrations on Friday, October 13th, focused on issues of pay, the cost of living, gender equality and the environment.
The 'day of action' was first announced in August, but union leaders have now confirmed that the actions will include strikes, and filed strike notices for key sectors including transport.
A joint statement from the federations said: "Our organisations are calling for a day of mobilisations and demonstrations on Friday, October 13th, 2023, against austerity and for higher wages, pensions and gender equality."
The intersyndicale added: "At a time when profits are soaring in most major companies, it is more imperative than ever to share the wealth produced more equitably. One-off measures, mainly financed by the State, are insufficient to meet inflation and rising costs such as energy, food and housing.
"Our organisations reaffirm that this issue requires an increase in the minimum wage and wage policies in all sectors, companies and the civil service.
"We call on employers to open negotiations at all levels. Better distribution of wealth for the benefit of employees is also a powerful lever in the fight against inequality, particularly between men and women."
The exact details of which sectors will be affected by the strikes will be revealed in the days to come - but the group represents members of the CFDT, CGT, FO, CFTC, CFE-CGC, Unsa, Solidaires and FSU unions, which between them represent workers in a wide range from industries from transport staff to oil refinery workers, waste collectors, teachers and civil servants.
It is not yet clear how many workers will heed the call, but coordinated union activities can lead to widespread disruption including flight, train and Metro cancellations and school closures.
There could be disruption across Europe, as the European Trade Union Confederation is also reportedly planning to call for October strike action.
You can find all the latest on strike announcements and travel disruption in our strike section here.
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