Major French Union Threatens Strike On Upcoming Paris Olympics
Major French union threatens strike on upcoming Paris Olympics, including at hospitals. The union's intention to issue a notice of strike in public services during the July-August Olympic period, with the Paralympics to follow in August-September.
Author:Paula M. GrahamReviewer:Rhyley CarneyMar 07, 20242.3K Shares52.2K Views
In a bold declaration, a major French union threatens strike on upcoming Paris Olympics, including at hospitals. Speaking to France Info media on Thursday, Sophie Binet, the General Secretary of the CGT, announced the union's intention to issue a notice of strike in public services during the July-August Olympic period, with the Paralympics to follow in August-September.
Strike On Upcoming Paris Olympics
Binet emphasized the need for immediate government action to address social concerns related to the Games. The CGT plans to issue a notice of strike in public services during the July-August Olympic period, with the Paralympics following in August-September.
Paris anticipates a significant influx of visitors, with up to 15.9 million people expected to visit the region during July-September. Binet stressed the importance of heeding warnings to ensure the success of the Games.
Despite continuous pleas from the union over the past months, she expressed frustration, stating, "It’s getting very tiresome."
Social Tensions And Worker Impact
The social situation in France remains tense, marked by protests from various sectors, including teachers, police officers, and farmers. Binet highlighted the impact on workers forced to endure longer hours and postpone holidays due to the Games, posing critical questions about their social conditions and the government's plans for accommodating and compensating them.
Binet challenged the government's approach, asking, "How are we going to accommodate all the workers who will have to come to the Paris region for the Olympics? How are we going to take care of their children when they’re the ones who have to work? What kind of bonuses will they get?"
Concerns Extend To Hospitals
Addressing specific concerns about hospital strikes, Binet urgently called for increased funding for hospitals in the Paris region. She painted a grim picture of the current state of hospitals, stating, "The state of hospitals is catastrophic." Binet expressed deep concern about the upcoming summer, emphasizing that staff cannot be subjected to additional pressure, including extended overtime and jeopardized paid leave.
Highlighting the exhaustion of healthcare workers, Binet emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive recruitment plan. This plea aligns with long-standing demands from French health workers for increased hiring and improved salaries in public hospitals. The strain on the healthcare system has intensified due to years of cost cuts, leaving medical professionals overwhelmed, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, the CGT's warnings and calls for social preparedness raise crucial questions about the government's readiness to manage the event's social impact and potential disruptions caused by widespread strikes. Paris Olympics organizing head Tony Estanguet's hope that trade unions will not disrupt the event contrasts with the CGT's determination to address the concerns of workers across various sectors.
The looming seven-month strike notice over pay issues at transport operator RATP from Feb. 5-Sept. 9 already foreshadows potential transportation disruptions during this period. The government's decision to provide bonuses to police officers deployed during the Olympics indicates a recognition of the challenges posed by social unrest during this high-profile international event.
Paula M. Graham
Author
Rhyley Carney
Reviewer
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