NATIONWIDE STRIKES IN FRANCE OVER PAY AND COST OF LIVING HIT TRANSPORT, SCHOOLS

Tue 18 October 2022:

Regional train traffic in France was reduced by about 50% on Tuesday amid calls for a nationwide strike from several unions. The strike occurs when inflation is at its highest. The strikes to raise the minimum wage in response to rising prices have been ongoing for a few days now. Fuel distribution has been severely disrupted by this industrial change.

Schools have been disrupted as a result of the strike, which has primarily impacted the public sector. On the transportation front, Eurostar announced that the strike would cause some of its London to Paris trains to be canceled.

As more refineries joined in, the strikes spread to more industries. A call for negotiations was made last week, but the proposed agreement was rejected by the workers.

Additionally, due to the oil shortage, workers have blocked a number of roads. To fill the tanks on their cars, people drive for hours.

Macron’s government is all set to issue official orders for workers to uphold the movement, which for now have been upheld in the courts.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that the government will try its utmost to resolve the matter as soon as possible, AFP reported.

Similarly, the finance minister of the country stated that is important for the government to issue “requisitioning powers.” He further stated that the time for negotiation is over.

Unions, however, have argued that issuing requisitions is unacceptable and not the right solution

The oil refinery industry is no longer the only one affected by these strikes. Workers from other sectors have also announced that they will protest against inflation and the skyrocketing cost of commodities.

In addition, the CGT and FO unions declared their intention to go on a nationwide strike in support of higher pay and against the government’s requisitioning authority.

On Tuesday, the police in the capital city of Paris anticipated separate protests by close to 15,000 employees and teachers.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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