A nationwide strike is expected to take place in France on Thursday, November 5, involving workers from the public and private sectors, pensioners, school pupils and students.
The protests have been called by trade unions to oppose the rising cost of living and demand higher wages, as well as a review of the government’s budget plan for 2027.
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The mobilization comes amid social tensions. Trade unions expressed dissatisfaction after a meeting with government representatives on October 21, where their main demands concerning the economy and employment were discussed.
“We are asking for two things: wage increases everywhere and a review of the government’s budget plan, which, in its current form, is catastrophic for the country,” Sophie Binet, general secretary of the CGT, told France 2.
Binet predicted broad participation, describing the day as a coming together of private-sector workers, civil servants, pensioners and young people.
Wages, pensions and social benefits are among the protest’s main concerns. The unions oppose the draft 2027 budget currently being debated in the French Parliament, arguing that the proposed measures disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.
In a joint statement published on October 5, the union organizations said the government was placing a heavier burden on people facing the greatest economic difficulties and on the sick, by freezing social benefits and undermining the protective role of social security.
They also oppose cuts to public-service funding and the freezing of the pay index used to calculate civil servants’ wages.
The union alliance has set out seven main demands, with wage increases across all sectors at the top of the list. It is calling for immediate negotiations on wages at companies and across different sectors, equal pay for women and men, and increased social benefits.
The demands also include adjustments to pensions, an increase in the minimum wage (SMIC), improved pay for civil servants and measures to support their professional development.
The possibility of raising the minimum wage was also discussed at the October 21 meeting between the government and the unions. Afterward, CFTC president Cyril Chambénier said the government had left room for discussion on the issue.
A few days later, Minister of Labor and Social Solidarity Jean-Pierre Farandou told France Inter that an exceptional increase in the minimum wage, which would affect nearly two million workers, “was not taboo.” He stressed, however, that no final decision had yet been made.
With the November 5 strike, the unions aim to increase pressure on the government and secure concrete commitments, not just general assurances.
In addition to wages and social security, labor organizations are calling for changes to tax policies and the allocation of public funds. They are proposing greater tax fairness through higher taxes on property, inheritances and dividends, as well as a review of financial support for businesses.
One issue raised is the €211 billion in state support received by businesses in 2023. The figure is based on estimates by a special investigative committee of the French Senate.
The unions are calling for this aid to be assessed, clear conditions to be set for receiving it, and the available funds to be redistributed.
Another goal is to increase public investment to address the climate crisis and adapt the economy to the new environmental reality. Proposals include bringing industrial production back to France, reducing carbon emissions across the economy and strengthening public services.
According to the union organizations, sufficient funding must be secured for educating young people, caring for older people and addressing the consequences of climate change.
Organizations from various sectors will also take part in the nationwide strike, putting forward specific concerns alongside their shared demands.
In education, Snes-FSU is calling for more funding for the national education system and the repeal of the high school reforms introduced in 2018 by former Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer.
The main unions at state-owned railway company SNCF have called on workers to join the protest. They oppose the deterioration of social conditions and wages that, they say, have stagnated.
Student and school pupil organizations are also expected to take part. Caroline Chevet, general secretary of the FSU, told AFP that the day is also linked to the mobilization of young people.
Sabrine Carbach, a representative of the Student Union (USL), announced on October 31 that students would begin with boycotts and then join the demonstrations.
The “Yellow Vests” movement is also expected to join the protests. It is known for its role in France’s major social protests in recent years. This time, it will take to the streets with the slogan “November 5 is for the people.”
Thursday’s strike will be another challenge for the French government, as the unions seek to unite discontent over the cost of living, working conditions and the tax policies planned for 2027.
