The next ten days look busy on French streets. France's five largest trade union organisations, the CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA and FSU, have called a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations for Thursday 5 November. Four of the main rail unions have confirmed they will join, so trains are the first thing to watch.
The dates to know
Saturday 31 October. The 'yellow vest' movement plans actions across the country. It is not yet clear whether unions or students will join. The movement's first day of protest, on 17 October, was marred by widespread violence and looting. The second, on 24 October, went ahead under tight security and with many demonstrations banned, and the country largely avoided a repeat.
Tuesday 3 November. Unions representing lycée pupils have called for another day of protest the day after schools reopen from the Toussaint holidays. Their leaders have proposed a march in Paris starting at the Panthéon. How many pupils will follow is unclear.
Thursday 5 November. The main day. The union call is open to public and private sector workers, young people and retirees. Unions are demanding higher wages and pensions, more money for public services, higher social benefits and more investment in industry and the environment, and they are criticising the draft 2027 budget. The 'yellow vests' and student groups say they will join the marches. A Paris demonstration is planned, but its time and route had not been announced when the unions confirmed the date.
Friday 20 November. An international student and youth strike has been declared. French participation is not confirmed.
What it means for trains on 5 November
CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots will all join the strike. Strikes called by several rail unions together are usually the most disruptive. Depending on how many staff walk out, expect:
- cancellations or delays on Transilien trains in the Paris region,
- fewer TER regional trains in other regions,
- cancelled TGV and Intercités trains, or services on a reduced timetable,
- knock-on problems for connections, some night trains and local services.
Rail staff must declare their intention to strike at least 48 hours ahead, so SNCF publishes a strike timetable about 24 hours before the day. Check SNCF Connect on Wednesday evening, and Île-de-France Mobilités if you travel in the Paris region. When the unions announced the date, the Paris public transport operator RATP had not said whether its staff would join, so check the metro and buses too.
Practical tips
- If you can work from home on 5 November, agree it with your manager now.
- If you have a train booked that day, watch for an SNCF email or SMS. Cancelled trains can be exchanged or refunded at no cost.
- Stay away from demonstrations, even peaceful ones. Things can change quickly, and police may close streets and stations at short notice.
- Keep your titre de séjour or récépissé on you, along with your passport, in case of an identity check.
- Students: some universities and schools close buildings on protest days, so check your institution's emails.
We will update this page if the 5 November routes or the RATP position change.