French public sector workers

French public sector workers have walked out in protest at a pay freeze as the government prepares the 2027 budget. Union members in hospitals, schools and other state services are demanding wage increases amid rising living costs. The strike is being followed for what it signals about labour unrest and pressure on the government's budget plans.

More than 170 demonstrations swept across France as eight major unions joined forces in a nationwide public-sector strike over pay, purchasing power and funding for public services. The Interior Ministry counted around 206,000 protesters across the country. The coordinated action disrupted schools, transport and other public services as workers pressed the government for higher wages and greater investment in the public sector.

Teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters and other public sector unions in France are planning hundreds of strikes, with tens of thousands of demonstrators expected to march in Paris. Unions including the CGT and FO are mobilising members for coordinated action on 29 September. The movement highlights growing anger among French public employees over pay and working conditions.

Students across France are holding protests while public sector workers walk out ahead of the government's budget announcement. The strikes and demonstrations are part of mounting opposition to planned austerity measures, with unions and student groups warning the cuts will hit public services and education hardest as the government seeks to rein in its deficit.

Students across France held demonstrations and public sector workers went on strike ahead of planned government budget cuts. Photos from Al Jazeera show large crowds marching in the streets as unions and student groups mobilised against austerity measures. The action reflects growing resistance to spending reductions being prepared by the French government.