From taxi drivers to garbage collectors to teachers and air traffic controllers, French workers have been attacking en masse in recent months in Paris and the rest of the country, mainly to protest proposed changes to labor laws that would make it easier to lay off employees.
The strikes, which have broken out periodically in the city in recent months, on Tuesday June 14, have made headlines for occasional violent clashes between police and protesters, and for unfortunate incidents of vandalism in the capital. On Tuesday, between 80,000 and a million people flooded the streets of Paris to participate in the protests.
While the vast majority were peaceful, aggressive clashes between some participants and riot police caused injuries on both sides, and there were reports of vandals smashing windows, setting cars on fire and even vandalizing a children’s hospital, much to the outrage of many.
Tensions have been especially high in June due to security concerns raised by an influx of soccer fans into the capital for the Euro 2016 match, and the city remains on high alert following the tragic terrorist attacks of November 2015 ( see information for tourists here).
How could strikes affect your trip?
Amid what appears to be a chaotic situation in the capital, visitors may be uneasy about these events, especially as some are still shaken by security concerns in the wake of the November attacks. But aside from some nasty delays, strikes shouldn’t be a concern for tourists. Read on to learn more about how transportation and other services have been affected in recent months, and check back here for updates as the situation evolves.
How is public transport affected in Paris?
Several metro and RER (suburban commuter line) trains experienced a slowdown during the main strike on June 14, but traffic is again normal on all lines as of Wednesday June 15. Check back here for updates on future eye-catching actions in the city, or visit the official English Public Transportation Authority (RATP) site.
National air and rail disruptions
While some major delays and disruptions at airports and on France’s national rail and high-speed rail (TGV) network have affected visitors in recent months, the situation is now almost normal. Despite a strike among Air France workers, flights were operating at 80% capacity around the major strikes on June 14.
Four out of five air traffic controller unions were also on strike on the 14th, but air traffic at major Paris airports, including Roissy Charles de Gaulle, was back to normal as of Wednesday the 15th.
Meanwhile, France’s national railway company (SNCF) has seen some major disruptions in recent months due to union strikes against labor reforms: in early June, almost half of the high-speed trains in France were canceled due to to a strike that seriously affected the travelers.
More strikes are likely in the coming months. Find out if your train travel is likely to be affected by visiting the official website of the SNCF railway authority.
Eurostar services largely unaffected
Eurostar services (high-speed trains to Paris from London and Brussels) have so far been largely unaffected by the strikes.
FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON AIR AND RAIL: See this helpful page on AngloInfo for quick links to up-to-date information on how strikes are currently affecting air and rail traffic in France.
Taxi strikes in the French capital
Taxi workers in Paris have been on strike periodically in large numbers this year, in response to government-proposed labor reforms and the growing presence of ride-sharing services like Uber in the French capital.
If you plan to use taxis to get around the city or to go from the airport to Paris, know that services have not been at their optimal levels in recent months, and taxi workers are currently promising more flashy actions in the weeks to come. However, this does not mean that it is impossible or even difficult to find a taxi on most days. Try to stay informed of the flashy actions in Paris to find out if taxi services may be affected during your trip.
Read the related feature: Should I take a taxi from the airport to central Paris?
Popular tourist attraction closures
The Eiffel Tower was closed on Tuesday, June 14 due to some eye-catching action among some of its employees, but it reopened on Wednesday the 15th. Otherwise, it has largely been the usual business of the tourism industry in the capital. French.
Should Tourists Be Concerned About Safety During Strikes?
In a word, no. You may have seen disturbing images on the news of violent clashes between strikers and police / security forces, and there have certainly been some disturbing instances of violence and disruption on both sides. Unfortunately, some protesters have also taken action by vandalizing property or public buildings.
However, assuming you don’t plan to join the strikes yourself, you have nothing to worry about as a tourist other than having to endure some nasty delays on the subway and trains, or the unpleasant sight and stench of accumulated garbage. outside of that historic café in St-Germain-des-Pres (garbage collectors have also recently been on strike in certain areas of the French capital).
However, I recommend staying away from major demonstrations on strike days in the capital this year: while they can be an intriguing sight, it is probably best to stay away, in light of the unfortunate episodes of violence and aggression that have occurred in some of them. this year.
Soon?
The flashy action in Paris and the rest of France is likely to continue into 2016, and it may affect visitors. Stay informed by visiting some of the information sites listed above, and we hope your trip is not adversely affected.
Knowledge is always enriching – be sure to read our comprehensive guide to staying safe in Paris, and you can also bookmark our tips to avoid pickpockets in the French capital.
