French public sector unions have called for a “day of action, rallies, demonstrations, and strikes” across the country on December 5, protesting the austerity measures included in the 2025 budget proposal.
Civil servants are dissatisfied with aspects of the budget, such as a three-day waiting period before sick leave compensation is paid and a reduction in the amount of these payments.
In a statement released Thursday, unions expressed hope that the strike would push for “adequate budgetary resources” and “job creation where necessary.”
The budget proposal, introduced last month by the government led by Michel Barnier, includes cuts to social spending and plans to raise 60 billion euros through taxes. France felt compelled to take these steps, in part, due to a substantial increase in its budget deficit.
This week, strikes have also been declared by French pilots, farmers, and railway workers.
