Strikes in France in April 2025 and how you may be impacted

Several strikes are expected in France including a potentially major rail strike that could affect holiday plans. 

Multiple sectors will strike on April 1 across the country, as public servants walk out across numerous sectors.

We review the major action expected. 

Medical worker/hospital strike - April 1 

Five of France’s major unions (CFDT, CFE-CGC, CGT, FO, and Sud) are calling on workers in the ‘medico-sociaux’ sector to strike over wage concerns and a lack of funding in the sector. 

The strike action is nationwide.

Minimum service rules mean emergency services are unlikely to be impacted, but local services and non-urgent matters such as outpatient appointments at hospitals and other medical appointments could be impacted. 

Contact the responsible department or cabinet if you have a scheduled appointment on April 1 to see if you will be impacted. 

France Travail workers - April 1

Public sector workers at France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) will also go on strike at the start of the month. 

Seeking salary increases, job security, and an end to outsourcing in France’s jobseeker unit, the strike is also being backed by several major unions. 

Significant disruption is expected to France Travail services, particularly in-person appointments. 

School workers - April 1

Non-teaching staff are striking for improved status in schools – to be recognised as public sector civil servants with an end to short-term contracts – as well as better wage security. 

Unions are backing the movement which is expected to be heavily followed. 

Schools are not expected to close – nor are lessons set to be impacted as teaching staff are not striking – but additional services such as cafeterias are likely to be unavailable in several schools. 

Civil servants - April 3 

Civil servant wings of many major French unions are calling for a walkout of administrative staff on April 3 over cuts in the 2025 budget, particularly on worker’s salaries and funding for public services. 

Disruptions are expected across all public service sectors.

Rail workers – April 17 to June 2 

A major strike on the French rail network is forecast for much of the spring. 

Spearheaded by SUD-Rail, the union has filed a strike motion on behalf of ticket conductors who are looking for increased pay and job security. 

The union and state-rail operator SNCF say the groups are currently in dialogue over the matter, and a strike is yet to be officially called for the days in question despite the strike warning being filed. 

However, the union warned it will call on members to strike if the negotiations break down. Other unions are yet to join but may also file motions for the same days. 

Severe disruption is likely if the strike does go ahead particularly during the busy holiday season (Easter, May’s bank holidays, and the school holiday period). 

Read more: Six-week strike notice raised by major French rail union