A large-scale strike is set to take place across France on Tuesday 2nd December, as unions call for widespread protests against the government’s 2026 budget proposal. The action, initiated by an inter-union coalition including the CGT, FSU, and Solidaires, is expected to bring disruptions to transport networks, public services, and schools, with potential knock-on effects for the wider region.
The strike has been timed to coincide with the parliamentary review of the 2026 Finance Bill. Union leaders are calling for the withdrawal of measures they describe as socially regressive, including job cuts in the education and public sectors, pension reforms, and increased out-of-pocket medical costs for patients.
Disruptions Expected in Schools and Public Transport
Significant disruption is expected in the education sector. School closures, class cancellations, and limited access to extracurricular services such as canteens and after-school care are likely in many areas.
Public transport will also be affected. The CGT-Cheminots has called for a strike at the SNCF, which could impact regional rail traffic. Final service updates are due to be announced on Monday evening, but delays and cancellations are anticipated on multiple lines.
Public Services and Air Travel
Public sector offices including town halls, tax centres, and social agencies are expected to operate with reduced staff or close entirely. Delays in processing official documents and handling administrative tasks are to be expected.
In air travel, limited disruptions are expected, although two smaller pilot unions at Air France have announced strike action on 2nd and 3rd December over internal employment issues. No major flight cancellations have been confirmed at this stage.
Demonstrations Across the Country
Rallies and marches are scheduled in dozens of towns and cities nationwide. Turnout is expected to be high, as unions urge workers across both the public and private sectors, retirees, and jobseekers to join the protest.
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