Aug 29, 09:02 AM

French Unions Call 18 September Strikes Over Bayrou’s 2026 Budget

France’s eight main trade-union confederations, led by the CFDT and CGT, have called a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations on 18 September to oppose Prime Minister François Bayrou’s draft 2026 budget. CFDT secretary-general Marylise Léon said the action, to take place “y compris par la grève et la manifestation,” was agreed jointly by the unions in response to what they describe as unprecedentedly harsh spending cuts and labour-market measures, including the loss of two public holidays and a freeze on certain welfare payments. The mobilisation is scheduled ten days after a parliamentary vote of confidence on Bayrou’s programme and eight days after a separate grassroots protest branded “Bloquons tout” on 10 September. While the inter-union group said it will not coordinate with the earlier movement, it warned that further initiatives could follow if the government does not withdraw the contested budget plans. Disruption to transport is likely to be acute after the SNCTA, which represents about 60 % of French air-traffic controllers, filed a 24-hour strike notice covering 18–19 September. The union is demanding a full pay adjustment for 2024 inflation and changes to what it calls punitive management practices. A similar walkout in early July forced the cancellation of roughly 3,000 flights across Europe, costing airlines an estimated €120 million. Other sectors are expected to join the 18 September stoppage, adding to pressure on Bayrou’s minority government as it faces the confidence vote and mounting public opposition to its fiscal strategy.