Black Thursday: French Unions Pressure Government with General Strike

France is preparing for a new escalation in labor protests on Thursday, following a broad union call for strikes and demonstrations demanding improved wages, job security, and the protection of public services, amid warnings of potential disruptions in transport, education, and healthcare sectors.

The new movements come after a series of protests witnessed across the country on October 17, 24, and 31. According to "Le Figaro," unions are seeking to increase pressure on the government regarding social policies and the draft budget for 2027.

Disruptions in Transport and Education
In the railway sector, the four main unions at SNCF have called on employees to strike and participate in demonstrations, protesting wage stagnation and deteriorating social and professional conditions.

Train and public transport services in Paris and its surroundings are expected to be affected, including the SNCF and RATP networks, with warnings of a significant reduction in trips. Authorities await the company's announcement of train schedules during the strike day.

The strike extends to schools and universities, after teachers' unions announced their support for participation, demanding increased hiring, higher wages, and improved educational resources. Student unions also called for school and university closures on November 3 and 5, while private education unions join the movement to demand salary improvements.

Hospitals and Public Services
In the health sector, hospitals and social care institutions are preparing to join the strike, while maintaining minimum services to ensure continuity of care. The mobilization also includes civil servants, social security staff, postal workers, telecommunications employees, bank staff, cultural workers, and cooperative insurance employees.

Unions are demanding wage increases, improved working conditions, enhanced funding for public services, and rejection of anticipated cuts in the 2027 budget, in a move seen as a new test of the government's ability to contain social anger.