French workers called to join mass strike on October 1

One of France’s major unions has called for workers across the country to strike on Tuesday October 1.

Several local branches of the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) have confirmed the union is calling on members nationwide from all sectors to walk out on this day.

Hérault (Occitanie) and Calvados (Normandy) are amongst areas which have already announced action.

The CGT is one of France’s largest and most radical unions, often at the forefront of strike action.

The protest is being called over both the economic situation of the country and the appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister, which many in the union see as an anti-democratic move. 

“He is a man of the liberal and conservative right, far removed from the concerns of working men and women, far removed from the choice expressed at the ballot box on July 7, 2024 [when a left wing alliance won the most votes],” said Allan Bertu, general secretary of the CGT in Calvados to regional media outlet Ouest-France. 

It is unclear whether other unions will also call on members to strike this date, but the CGT has called on all workers, regardless of their union affiliation, to join.

Exact information over disruptions will be known closer to the time. 

The CGT represents workers in many public sectors and industries so disruption to travel and other services is expected.

2025 Finance Bill targeted

Whilst unions often call for strike actions on Tuesdays (you can find out why here), the date of October 1 has been chosen by the union due to its political significance. 

It is the deadline for the government to introduce the 2025 Finance Bill to parliament for debate. The union expects further austerity measures will be announced in the bill.

‘We've avoided the worst, let's win the best’ is one slogan put forward by the CGT regarding the defeat of the far-right in the legislative elections earlier this year, and the chance to implement wider reforms including pay rises and ending some austerity measures. 

Key demands from the march include: 

• Repeal of pension age reform

• Wage and pension increases

• Gender equality

• More funding for public services

• The development of industrial employment in conjunction with environmental issues

The CGT also called on members to protest this weekend against the appointment of Mr Barnier as prime minister, alongside the far-left party La France Insoumise. 

Read more: Protests held across France against new PM Barnier - is more action expected?