One month after the first protests by high school students and following the demonstrations on Saturdays, October 17, 24, and 31, a general strike is expected across France this Thursday, November 5. The Yellow Vests are also calling for a rally. Routes, schedules, and traffic disruptions in Bordeaux: here’s what you need to know.
A day of general strike on November 5 in Bordeaux: the route
The UNSA, CFDT, CGT, FO, and FSU unions are calling for a general mobilization for a national day of strikes and demonstrations this Thursday, November 5. The demands focus in particular on the standard of living, public services, employment, and industry. They are calling for an across-the-board increase in wages and a more equitable distribution of wealth.
In Bordeaux, the rally is scheduled to begin at Place de la République at 12:30 p.m. With the march set to begin at 1:00 p.m., here are the details of the route announced on the CFDT Éducation Formation Recherches Publiques Académie de Bordeaux website:
- Start at 1:00 p.m. at Place de la République
- Place Gambetta
- Allées de Tourny
- Porte de Bourgogne
- Place de la Victoire
A massive, multisectoral national strike
Launched in mid-October by the inter-union coalition of UNSA, CFDT, CGT, FO, and FSU, the call for a national strike has since become a rallying point. In addition to the Yellow Vests and high school and college students who quickly joined the cause, this mobilization will involve both the public and private sectors. The affected sectors will be:
- Education. High school and college students will be joined by all private and independent education unions.
- Healthcare. The CGT Santé et Action Sociale is also calling for a strike. Disruptions in healthcare facilities are expected.
- The civil service.
- Transportation.
Public transportation disruptions expected
In addition to the planned demonstrations, travel may be disrupted by a labor action in the transportation sector.
The four main railroad unions are calling for a national strike at the SNCF this Thursday, November 5, to defend jobs, wages, and working conditions. While the impact on rail service remains uncertain, the SNCF is forecasting “slightly disrupted” service on TGV lines and disruptions on TER and Intercités lines.
As for traffic and transportation in Bordeaux, occasional disruptions are possible depending on the rallies.
To plan your travel, we recommend checking the latest updates from TBM, TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and SNCF Voyageurs as the days of mobilization approach.
