Nationwide strikes and protests in France over wage hike demands

Various trade unions in France have called for nationwide strikes and protests to fight for wage increases and against inflation. Authorities expect between 5,00,000 to 7,00,000 people to participate in this national movement, with approximately 80,000 people gathering in the capital, Paris. According to a BBC report, union leader Marylise Léon hopes this figure will reach 8,00,000.

Five unions from the public and private sectors have joined hands in this movement. Their primary demands include an increase in the minimum wage, salary hikes for all employees, tax reforms, and the protection of public services. Currently, the minimum wage (Smic) is €12.31 per hour. CFDT union head Marylise Léon stated that merely increasing the minimum wage is not enough; they are demanding a net increase of ₹100 per month. Union leader Sophie Binet, describing the day as a "great day of convergence," said, "The time has come to take this unification to the next level; the strike must take command."

These protests began in September, led by high school students against the poor state of education and lack of resources. Gradually, the 'Yellow-Vest' (gilets jaunes) movement and workers have also joined this movement. Students are expressing dissatisfaction over the poor condition of education, inflation, and inequality. According to DW, the worst riots in years were witnessed during the protests against education and inflation on October 17.

The impact of the strike is being felt across various sectors. According to the Ministry of Education, 17.5% of primary school teachers are on strike, and 81 lycées (high schools for students aged 15-18) were closed on Thursday morning. Additionally, railway workers, public hospitals, postal services, and power unions have joined the movement. The state utility company EDF has also confirmed its participation in this action. Oil refineries have been requested to halt production, and due to disruptions in nuclear plants, France is likely to import more electricity than it produces on Thursday. However, railway operator SNCF expects only minor disruptions in long-distance services, while the impact of the air traffic controllers' strike remains unclear.

Regarding security arrangements, Interior Minister Laurent Nunès stated that 70,000 police officers and security forces have been deployed across the country. He warned of an "extremely firm response" to any form of violence. In previous protests, police used tear gas and water cannons, and incidents of looting and rioting occurred.

There has been a dispute over the protest route in Paris. Unions demanded a route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Concorde, which was close to the National Assembly and the Élysée Palace, but authorities rejected it. Instead, the protest will move from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. The CFDT union complained that receiving court approval for the route late Wednesday evening caused organizational difficulties.

To calm public anger, the government has reduced fuel prices by releasing 1 crore barrels of diesel from strategic reserves. Ministers have assured students of reforms to the one-sided university admission platform 'Parcoursup' and promised to replace it by 2028. On the other hand, the Yellow-Vest movement has called for further blockades and protests on Friday and Saturday.

Gilets Jaunes (Yellow-Vest) was a popular social movement that rebelled against inflation and the cost of living several years ago.