Power of the People - A Brief Overview of Collective Strikes in France
One of the most iconic examples is the May 1968 general strike. What began as student protests against university conditions quickly escalated into a nationwide movement involving millions of workers, paralyzing public services, transportation, and industries. The demands were broad, encompassing improved purchasing power, better working conditions, defense of trade union rights, increased public investment in housing, education, and health, and guarantees for the right to work. The strike led to the Grenelle Agreements, which included a 35% increase in the national minimum wage and significant wage increases for the lowest earners. Politically, it resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Right in parliamentary elections, demonstrating both the power of collective action and the government's ability to regain control.
More recently, France has seen strikes in response to specific government policies. For instance, the 2006 youth and union general strike successfully defeated a new employment law, the First Employment Contract (CPE). This law would have allowed employers a two-year trial period for young workers, during which they could be terminated without cause. Unions and students argued it would make it harder for youth to find permanent employment. The widespread protests, with union leaders estimating turnouts of over three million, forced the government to fully repeal the law, highlighting the effectiveness of mass mobilization in challenging unpopular policies.
In 2025, France has experienced strikes impacting transport and air traffic control. Transport unions have protested against "austerity" measures at SNCF (the national railway company) and threats to rail workers' collective rights due to privatization. These strikes have caused significant disruptions in Paris and the Île-de-France region, with demands for general wage increases and bonuses. Similarly, air traffic controllers have engaged in strikes due to grievances over managerial methods and eroded pay, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays across Western Europe. These actions demonstrate how unions continue to use strikes to pressure the government and challenge policies affecting their members' working conditions and compensation.
The frequent strikes and street protests in France are often seen as a fundamental check on presidential power, especially when governments push through unpopular reforms. For example, President Macron's pension reform, which was perceived as authoritarian, led to widespread and angry protests. Critics argued that the reform disproportionately affected the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women, by extending their working years. The government's handling of these protests, including the use of Article 49.3 of the French constitution to bypass parliamentary discussion, further fueled public discontent and contributed to a "Vibecession," an economic downgrading due to social and political unrest.
In conclusion, French general strikes, whether driven by broad social movements or specific policy challenges, have consistently demonstrated the power of collective action to influence government decisions. They serve as a crucial mechanism for citizens and unions to express dissent, demand policy changes, and hold political leaders accountable, often leading to significant concessions or shifts in policy direction.
