Schools, hospitals, mairies: what to expect from Thursday's public servant protests in France

A series of public sector strikes will take place in France this Thursday (December 5), with the action set to cause widespread disruption.

Major unions that represent public sector workers have backed calls for strike action, as well as for demonstrations across major cities.

Reduced service levels and potential closures threaten many public service buildings including schools and public service help points, with hospitals also set to be impacted (although they will not close fully). 

The chief reason for the action is changes to sick pay in the 2025 social security budget. 

Changes included in the budget would see workers not receive sick pay for the first three days of illness (as is the case for most private sector staff) and the level of sick pay would be reduced from 100% to 90% for most public sector workers.

Cuts to both staff numbers and funding, particularly in the education system for the former, are also reasons behind the strike.

A second strike period between December 11-13 has been called for public sector workers, but so far only one union (Force Ouvrière) has backed the motion. 

It has also been called over changes to sick pay, as well as over a lack of funding for public sector authorities in France.

Read more: Strikes in France in December 2024 and how you may be impacted

Schools potentially closed 

The education sector will be particularly impacted, with schools at a risk of closure. 

Major education unions including the FSU, UNSA Education and SUD Education have backed action on December 5. 

The latter union has filed a rolling strike motion between November 21 and January 20, meaning teachers could walk out at any time during this period.

Minimum service rules apply in some schools, and teachers at nursery and primary schools must announce their intention to strike in advance, so in the event of major disruption parents can be informed. 

It is not only teachers, but all workers in the sector that are being called on to strike, including administrative and non-teaching staff. 

For example, school canteens in Strasbourg will not serve food on Thursday – if they remain open at all – after lunch staff in the city announced their intention to join the strike. 

The education sector was hit particularly hard by the budget, with thousands of teaching jobs being axed, mostly for lower years.

The government argues these cuts will not affect education levels in France, as fewer children will enter school next year. 

Read more: Do parents in France risk a fine for picking children up late from school?

Hospital staff already on strike

A rolling strike until December 21 is underway in public hospitals after being called by the CGT union earlier this autumn. 

This strike may be exacerbated by Thursday’s action, although hospitals will not be closed due to minimum service rules, and emergency wards will remain open.

Administrative staff may strike, however, and outpatient appointments may be affected. 

If you have a medical appointment on Thursday, contact the clinic to see if your slot has been cancelled.

Additional impact on public services 

Public services across France will also be impacted, with advice centres and help points likely having reduced opening hours or being closed altogether. 

This includes the French tax authorities, with tax offices likely facing disruption.

It is unlikely that general online services will be reduced, however it may be harder to contact public services via the telephone or live chats on websites.

Finally, mairies across the country may also be unable to provide usual services due to striking staff.