France public workers strike as student protests turn violent
Tens of thousands of public sector workers have marched across France to demand higher pay and better working conditions, while separate student protests led to clashes with police and hundreds of detentions.
Teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers and other civil servants joined Tuesday’s nationwide strike ahead of the government’s planned presentation of its 2027 budget.
Unions said about 300,000 people participated nationwide. Police estimated that around 30,000 people joined demonstrations in Paris.
France public sector strike targets pay freeze
Workers are opposing planned budget cuts and a proposed freeze in base salaries for state employees in 2027.
According to unions, the measure is intended to save about 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion). They say it would represent the fourth consecutive annual salary freeze and are demanding a 6% increase instead.
Al Jazeera, citing AFP and Reuters, reported that the demonstrations involved workers from several parts of France’s public sector.
Sophie Binet, general secretary of the General Confederation of Labor, described the demonstrations as a “red alert” and called on the government to reconsider its budget plans.
She said her union would consider further strike action if the proposed measures were not reversed.
Teachers and firefighters join demonstrations
France’s Education Ministry said slightly more than 11% of teachers and other school employees participated in the strike.
Participation among other civil servants was below 10%, while turnout among hospital workers was lower still.
Professional firefighters also joined the demonstrations. They have raised concerns about resources following major wildfires during the summer.
France’s civil aviation regulator had also warned that the industrial action could disrupt flights at some airports.
Hundreds detained during student protests
Separate demonstrations took place at more than 400 schools as students protested over class sizes, timetables, teacher shortages and conditions in classrooms.
Around 40 schools were blockaded, while attempted blockades were reported at another 44.
Officials said 10 students and staff members were injured, while 48 law enforcement officers were also hurt.
At least 440 people were detained, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
Some protesters set rubbish bins on fire and threw objects during clashes, while police responded with batons and tear gas.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray condemned the violence and said legal proceedings had begun.
Government faces pressure ahead of 2027 budget
The demonstrations took place two days before the government is expected to unveil its draft budget.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu condemned violence surrounding some of the school protests but acknowledged that concerns about conditions in schools needed to be addressed.
The public sector unions are meanwhile demanding higher salaries and greater funding for public services.
With unions considering further action, the government’s budget proposals are likely to remain a focus of demonstrations in the coming days.