National Strike Scheduled for December 2 in France to Impact Key Public Sectors

A national strike is planned across France on December 2, 2025, spearheaded by major unions such as the CGT, FSU, and Solidaires. The mobilization opposes the government's 2026 budget proposal, which unions describe as "socially unjust." Their key demands focus on ending the public sector salary freeze, securing a general wage increase, halting staff reductions, and abandoning the policy of doubling medical franchises.

The strike is expected to severely disrupt multiple sectors including transportation, education, and public administration. For transportation, the RATP will be on strike from December 1 at 6 PM until December 3 at 7 AM, likely causing decreased service availability on metros, buses, and trams. The national railway company SNCF also anticipates train delays and cancellations, with official circulation forecasts to be provided a day before the strike.

In education, teacher absences are forecasted, and some schools may completely close, reflecting concerns over over 4,000 lost secondary education positions and diminished staffing in primary schools. Administrative services might face slowdowns and the temporary closure of certain offices is possible. Demonstrations are scheduled in major cities including Paris, Bordeaux, and La Rochelle, potentially leading to road closures and traffic disruptions.

This strike highlights significant public sector dissent and the unions’ resistance to austerity measures embedded in the 2026 budget. Citizens should prepare for transport and public service disruptions and anticipate heightened activity in urban centers due to demonstrations.