France nationwide strike and protests November 5, Digi Mart USA News: After weeks of youth mobilization and protests against the high cost of living, an intersyndical movement is calling on employees to take to the streets and strike this Thursday, November 5.
The date has been set for a month. The intersyndicale, which brings together the CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA and FSU, is urging workers to join the strike and march to demand answers from the government and employers on purchasing power.
For the first time since the start of the school year, the mobilization involves both the private and public sectors. Demands include higher wages, protection of public services, defense of jobs and a better distribution of wealth for workers, young people and retirees.
Cyril Chabanier of the CFTC said the November 5 demonstration is important to maintain pressure so that measures on which an opening had been offered become a reality. Youth organizations and the yellow vest coordination, already mobilized for several weeks, have joined the November 5 movement.
The CGT has published a map on its website listing events planned for the day. More than a hundred events are currently confirmed across France.
Unions will supervise the march, but violence that marred several recent mobilizations, particularly looting after the October 17 demonstration, remains a concern. Christelle Thieffinne said security conditions appear to be in place, while acknowledging worries among federations in commerce, banking and insurance.
FO general secretary Frédéric Souillot hopes the government will take stock of what unions have been saying for months after November 5. Apart from Solidaires, unions are not currently talking about extending the strike beyond Thursday, though the FSU believes one day will not be enough, according to Caroline Chevé.
The yellow vest coordination already refers to an “Act IV” and calls for a continuation of blockades, strikes and demonstrations on November 6 and 7.
