Everything you need to know about France’s looming biggest strike Why it is happening, what it means and how to prepare for it

A few days ago, French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced a austerity plan of 44 billion euros to reduce the country’s debt. A plan that was poorly received, considering it includes the freeze of most public spending in 2026, affecting pensions, social benefits and taxation, as well as the removal of Easter Monday and May 8 to save more than 4 billion. Around 3,000 public jobs would disappear, healthcare would lose 5 billion with a rise in costs for patients, while unemployment benefits would be reduced and tightened. Retirees would see their tax advantages reduced and wealthy households would be subject to a new solidarity tax. Environmental investments would be suspended, while the defense budget would increase by 6 billion over two years. A set of measures that rank among the strictest in decades, and as one might imagine, has led to strong protests among the French. True to the revolutionary and combative nature of the country, several French unions have therefore decided to organize a unique general blockade on September 10. To understand it and prepare yourself as best as possible, here is a recap of what this national strike implies and how to go through it.

What does the strike actually involve?

Launched by the citizens’ collective Bloquons tout (Block Everything in english), determined to implement a total and unlimited shutdown of the country, the idea of the strike then reached the CGT (General Confederation of Labor), the FO (Workers’ Force), the SNCF (French National Railway Company), and the CFDT (French Democratic Confederation of Labor). A major disruption of transportation, especially in Île-de-France, is therefore expected, regarding the subway, RER, commuter trains as well as airport terminals. But that’s not all: some schools, middle schools and high schools may also close their doors this Wednesday following strike notices filed notably by SUD Education, CGT Éduc’action or even Solidaires Public Service. Several public hospitals may also limit or even suspend their services in response to budget cuts. The public service, for its part, calls for striking not only on the 10th but throughout September to protest against job cuts, lack of wage increases and the deterioration of public services.

How to prepare?

The best thing to do during any strike is of course to anticipate. The smartest thing to do when the strike is of such magnitude is to minimize your plans, activities and outings as much as possible for those who do not plan to participate in the demonstrations, especially given the announcements of various kinds of sabotage currently circulating online. While some even advise the French to withdraw their money from banks and lock themselves in a bunker with a good stock of canned food, there is no need to panic like a headless chicken. The important thing is to remain flexible and informed. To avoid being stuck God knows where in Paris or elsewhere due to lack of transport, have a plan B and consider taking the car or even the bike for shorter trips. Let your boss know that you will be working remotely on Wednesday if you can, and call your back-up babysitter if you have children in school.