Wave of strikes brewing as French budget cuts anger unions

RFI

14 November 2024 at 12:09 pm·1-min read

Michelin employees hold placards during a demonstration in Clermont-Ferrand, central France, on 13 November 2024. The tyre manufacturer announced the closure of two factories by 2026.

French unions across multiple sectors are calling for strikes and protests in the coming weeks, driven by frustration over planned layoffs and budget reforms. The government has proposed €60 billion in cuts and tax hikes to tackle the country's debt.

Workers in airlines, railways, the public sector and other industries are gearing up for action as they brace for a wave of job losses and spending reductions.

“We are at the start of a violent industrial bloodletting," Sophie Binet, general secretary of the CGT union, told the weekly La Tribune Dimanche.

The CGT estimates that at least 150,000 jobs could be cut in the coming years, potentially creating a "domino effect" that could impact subcontractors.

The proposed strikes come as MPs continue debating the draft budget, which is aimed at reducing the deficit to 5 percent next year. France’s current deficit sits above 6 percent – more than double the 3 percent limit set by the EU.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s plan seeks to raise €60 billion, with €20 billion from new taxes and €40 billion from cuts.

What’s in France’s belt-tightening budget and can it win support?

Airline levy

The SNPL pilots union got the ball rolling with a strike on Thursday to protest a planned tripling of the aviation levy on flights to and from France.

The new levy, expected to take effect in January 2025, aims to raise €1 billion annually. SNPL warned the levy would likely lead to job cuts.

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Airline levy

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