France faces new nationwide strikes amid government austerity plans

Several trade unions in France are set to stage nationwide strikes on Thursday, September 18, following previous protests on September 10, BFMTV reports.

The unions are protesting austerity measures proposed by former Prime Minister François Bayrou amid rising national debt. Among the measures was a plan to cancel two public holidays, which the newly appointed prime minister has since withdrawn.

The Transport Minister has warned of a “black day” for the sector, with potential major disruptions. Four unions representing railway workers are planning to join the strike.

FO-Air France, the aviation workers’ union, has also urged its members to participate.

Education sector unions are joining the protests to oppose the planned austerity measures and to call for action on existing school issues. Unions in the pharmaceutical and energy sectors have also announced their participation with sector-specific demands.

By Khagan Isayev