For the first time in almost 12 years, all the French trade union organizations (CGT, CFDT, FO, UNSA, CFE-CGC, Solidaires, FSU, CFTC) will come together to protest against this reform which they consider “unfair” and “cruel”. Many businesses and public services will be idling.
But then what do the unions and a majority of French people claim to organize a demonstration of such magnitude? Jonathan Semelin, territorial secretary of the CFDT Vendeeexplains that it is necessary « protest against the postponement of the legal retirement age, who is now 62 years old and will be 64 years old. We want to oppose this reform which is unfair. All those who will have worked before the age of 21 will have their 43 years of contribution before the age of 64. They will have to work 1 or 2 years for free. What we are asking for is the withdrawal of the age measure, quite simply ”. Before adding: “We hope to make the government back down! »
Jean-Marc Thépaut, general secretary of the CFDT of Morbihan encourages “all French people and all employees to join us in denounce this reform which is cruel ».
According to different sources, between 550,000 and 750,000 demonstrators are expected on the streets of the country.
Where will the protests be?
The whole country will be affected by this mobilization. More than 200 gathering points have been identified by the trade unions.
The Great West is no exception to the mobilization. Nearly fifty cities are concerned, such as: Brest, Quimper, Lorient, Vannes, Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, Angers, Cholet, Laval, Le Mans, Tours, Châteauroux, Guéret, Limoges, Poitiers, Angoulême, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Niort or even La Roche-sur-Yon.
Tens of thousands of police and gendarmes will be mobilized to ensure the safety of these gatherings.
life in slow motion
This day of national demonstration will cause disruptions in schools, administrations, public transport, but also at the SNCF. In fact, on average only 1 TGV out of 5 should be in circulation on the lines connecting Paris to Bordeaux, Rennes or Nantes. Same with the TER (1 out of 10 TER should circulate).
All major cities have already announced very strong disruptions on tram and bus lines in city centers. In Nantes, the tram will be suspended from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the city center. The cities of La Rochelle and Angers announce strong disturbances on several bus lines (less than 30% of insured traffic).
Many kindergartens and elementary schools will also be impacted. The city of Tours announces that 27 of the 58 establishments will be closed for the day. In Loire Atlantiquethe teachers’ union evokes the closure of 50 establishments everywhere in the department.
Finally, many public services should operate in slow motionas well as several companies.
