French Civil Servants To Strike

PARIS — A strike Tuesday in France is expected to disrupt trains, transport, postal services and schools as unions aim a new blow at President Nicolas Sarkozy following his party's drubbing in regional elections.

Train workers launched their action Monday evening. The strike was expected to cancel about a third of France's TGV fast trains, the SNCF rail network said. Eurostar trains to Britain and Thalys trains to Belgium and the Netherlands would not be affected, the rail network said.

Unions say Sarkozy's conservative government hasn't offered satisfactory plans on jobs, salaries, purchasing power and working conditions – and they hope to hammer home that message in the wake of Sunday's runoff elections.

The vote left Socialists in control of 23 of France's 26 regions. Twenty of Sarkozy's Cabinet ministers ran for posts – and all of them lost.

Unions also hope to stymie government efforts to reform French pensions. Demonstrations are planned throughout France, with the main march to take place in Paris.

In Paris, the public transport authority forecast that two out of three Metro trains would run. Fewer suburban trains than usual were expected to operate.

Unions are also seizing the opportunity to push the demands of individual professions. Educators are angry about job cuts, and the union says half of all teachers are expected to strike. Day care employees are fighting a reorganization plan.

Comments

[Elk Hunter 1]

10:04 PM on 03/22/2010

I know of about 5% of America would like to go to France and work their transportaion system. He11 we would probably work for less money and longer hours too.

That would really pi$$ off the French if he brought in immigrants to do the work that they were striking for.

[mazaza]

10:47 PM on 03/22/2010

The French are the first --maybe second-- most productive workforce in the world.

[Elk Hunter 1]

11:03 PM on 03/22/2010

That depends on how you look at it.

Hour for hour they are slightly higher than the US. About 50 cents. If you look at if from the point of total ammount of wealth created by person they are not in the top two by any means. They don't work enough hours a year to keep up with other countries.

They have a very relaxed life style and work less than nearly any other country in the world, well at least the developed countries. I know that most Americans that are out of work would gladly go to France for a while to get a job. They would also probably work for a little less money and do a longer shift. It would be a win win for everyone except the unions who represent the people who want to go on strike.

[Elk Hunter 1]

11:16 PM on 03/23/2010

I know you do not want our lifestyle, I am not saying you do nor am I advocating that you live like I do. I don't know if there are people over there trying to change Europe into what we have. There are people here trying to change America into another European model. I understand that a lot of people there love how they live and I wouldn't want to have anyone take something from you that you love. That is kinda my point about the progressives over here. Many (not all of course) want America to become just like Europe. Myself and many other Americans don't want that.

I do appreciate all of the beautiful buildings and the history that Europe has. I would really like to visit someday and see all of it first hand. Right now of course money isn't growing from trees so it is going to be a while before I get to do something like that.

The pool thing was just a point. I don't care for and will most likely never have a pool. I like going to the lake in my boat, its much better than any pool.

[mykebee]

09:28 PM on 03/22/2010

Oh, oh, oh.....like this is a friggen news flash. French on strike yet again....What's next.....Government sponsored pube trimming?

[higherstrategy]

07:57 PM on 03/22/2010

demand an audit and find out where all the French taxes are going

[mazaza]

10:52 PM on 03/22/2010

The taxes are going into all kinds of goodies that you don't get if not for much steeper prices. Like pretty much free higher education, best health care system, unemployment compensation, paid vacation, etc. We know it's got a price but it is well worth it.
We want to keep paying taxes and keep enjoying those great services that is why we'll strike to keep them.
The "government" built the phone system, the trains, Airbus, the post office, very good elementary and secondary education, great health care, great road system, gas and electricity companies, oil company, not a bridge to be fixed in the country, etc. Now, Sarkozy wants to sell it off to the private sector, which is very critical of public services but... strangely enough, is running to buy it off soon as they can.

[Dangerous Dan]

07:23 PM on 03/22/2010

One day we too can expect our government workers to strike.
How can we believe that We brought the world forward in technology and inovation for 250 years, when we can not even shut government down by civil servant strikes?
We yearn for this enlightenment.