France: Air traffic controllers, civil servant strikes expected May 9

Event

Seven trade unions - including the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and Workers' Force (FO) - have announced a nationwide strike by civil servants slated to take place on Thursday, May 9, in protest of the government's civil service reforms. Unions contend the reforms could see the loss of 120,000 jobs over the next three years. Associated protests are also expected to take place nationwide. In Paris, protesters are expected to gather at 14:00 (local time) at Denfert-Rochereau and march to Les Invalides.

Unions representing French air traffic controllers have also announced their members will join civil servants on strike. Flight delays and cancelations are possible at French airports on Thursday and immediately following the strike period. Additional strike actions and subsequent flight disruptions are possible over the coming weeks if the air traffic controllers' demands are not met.

Advice

Individuals flying via French airports are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm flight reservations prior to departure for the airport, and contact their airline directly for more information.

Individuals in France should also avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions near any demonstrations.