December 5, 2024 strike: schools, canteens, monuments, hospitals, flights... closures and disruptions

December 5, 2024 was marked by a nationwide strike, strongly followed by the public sector. It affected schools, hospitals, public services and airlines. Despite the overthrow of the Barnier government, the strike bears witness to growing discontent with the budget cuts envisaged. We take a look at the disruptions expected in the Paris region, ranging from cancelled airport flights to closed sites and monuments.

Mobilization of civil servants: a national strike takes place this Thursday, December 5, in an unprecedented political context. The trade unions representing civil servants(CGT, CFDT, UNSA, FSU, Solidaires, CFE-CGC and FA-FP) are mobilizing this Thursday, December 5, to defend their rights in the face of the austerity measures envisaged in the 2025 budget. Their main demand concerns the abandonment of the plan to introduce a three-day unpaid waiting period for sick leave, as well as a reduction in benefits to 90% of salary for extended sick leave beyond these three days. This plan, although no longer topical due to recent political upheavals, still crystallizes the anger of civil servants.

The day of action takes place against an unprecedented political backdrop. On Wednesday, a motion of censure passed in the National Assembly led to the fall of the government led by Michel Barnier, following its use of Article 49.3 to pass the Social Security financing bill. This rejection puts a stop to the parliamentary debate on the 2025 budget, but the unions remain determined to denounce the 1.2 billion in savings planned for the public administration.

Despite the vacancy of executive power, dozens of rallies are being organized across France this Thursday, with a large turnout expected in Paris. The unions also intend to put the issue of defending the purchasing power of civil servants at the heart of the debates, stressing that this mobilization goes beyond the single issue of carence days.

The December 5, 2024 mobilization day promises to be particularly disruptive in the Île-de-France region, where strikers are mobilizing en masse in the education, healthcare, public services and transport sectors. Here's an overview of the expected impacts in the region.

What disruption will schools in the Paris region experience?

The strike is massively attended in elementary school in the Paris region:

78% strikers in Seine-Saint-Denis, with over 300 schools closed.
In Paris, many schools are operating in slow motion, with no extra-curricular services (canteens and day-care centers).
In Créteil and Versailles, the unions are also predicting high mobilization rates, affecting students and families alike.

Parents are anticipating total school closures or the absence of reception facilities in several communes, while teachers are denouncing a deterioration in working conditions and a lack of recognition by the State.

What impact will this have on transport and travel in the Île-de-France region?

While the strike is not directly affecting trains, disruptions are expected in air traffic at several of the region's airports:

Paris-Charles de Gaulle: 10% of flights cancelled between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Paris-Orly: 25% of flights cancelled after 6 p.m.

Travellers are advised to check their flights before travelling.

Which public services are affected in the Paris region?

In the Île-de-France region, many public services will be operating in slow motion:

Town halls, particularly those in larger towns such as Saint-Denis, Créteil and Nanterre, could be partially closed.
Tax offices and other local administrations are likely to experience service interruptions.
Waste collection could be disrupted in some communes, such as in the inner suburbs.

What sites and monuments are closed this Thursday?

Among the tourist sites closed today are theArc de Triomphe, the Pantheon and the Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, three monuments belonging to the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. The Château de Versailles is also closed today.

National strike: Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon and Chapelle Expiatoire closed this Thursday
Due to a nationwide strike, the Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon and Chapelle Expiatoire are closed to the public this Thursday, December 5, 2024. [Read more]

National strike: the Château de Versailles is closed this Thursday, but the garden and park remain open
Due to the national strike this Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Château de Versailles is closed for the day. The gardens and grounds remain open to the public. [Read more]

Are any demonstrations planned?

Yes, several rallies are being organized, with a central point in Paris. The main demonstration will start at 2pm, from Bercy to Place d'Italie. This route, supervised by the forces of law and order, could lead to traffic restrictions in the arrondissements concerned.

Strike in the civil service this Thursday: here is the route of the demonstration in Paris
In response to a call from several trade unions, the civil service is on strike this Thursday, December 5, 2024, and is preparing to take to the streets. Numerous demonstrations are also planned across France. In Paris, the procession will set off from Bercy, not far from the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, at around 2pm. [Read more]

Will hospitals in the Paris region be affected?

The mobilization is also affecting hospitals, with a strong commitment expected at theAP-HP. Several hospital departments will be operating in downgraded mode, although emergency services will remain accessible. The AP-HP CGT has called for a large-scale mobilization at major hospitals, including Saint-Antoine and Lariboisière.

If you have young children or administrative formalities to attend to, or even a flight to catch on departure from Orly and Roissy airports, it's advisable to take your precautions for this Thursday, December 5, 2024, a day that promises many disruptions in schools and public services throughout France.