Politics · France · 6 hrs ago
Unions call for a nationwide strike and protests in France on 5 November
A union alliance has called on workers across France to strike and protest on 5 November.
The call follows weeks of youth demonstrations and protests over the cost of living.
The unions want higher wages, protected public services and jobs, as well as a fairer share of wealth.
The action is expected to involve workers in both the private and public sectors, alongside young people and the Yellow Vests coordination.
More than 100 events have been confirmed so far, according to a map published by the CGT union.
Organisers will oversee the demonstrations, though unions have raised concerns about safety after looting at a protest on 17 October.
Most unions have not called for the strike to continue after Thursday, while the Yellow Vests coordination plans further blockades, strikes and protests on 6 and 7 November.
An inter-union coalition is calling for workers in France’s public and private sectors to strike and protest on 5 November.
The unions are demanding higher wages, protection for public services and jobs, and a fairer distribution of wealth.
The General Confederation of Labour has listed more than 100 events planned across France.
Youth groups and the Yellow Vests coordination have joined the action after weeks of separate mobilisations.
Most unions have not called for the strike to continue beyond 5 November, while the Yellow Vests coordination plans further action on 6 and 7 November.
- Who
- An inter-union coalition involving the CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA and FSU is calling for action. Youth groups and the Yellow Vests coordination have joined.
- What
- A nationwide strike and demonstrations, with some planned blockades.
- When
- 5 November 2026. The Yellow Vests coordination also plans action on 6 and 7 November.
- Where
- Across France; more than 100 events have been confirmed.
- Why
- To press the government and employers for answers on purchasing power, wages, public services, jobs and wealth distribution.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A mobilisation took place, according to BFM Business.
The article reported that more than 100 events had been confirmed for 5 November.
New blockades at high schools and universities were expected, according to BFM Business.
Unions called for a strike and demonstrations across France.
The Yellow Vests coordination said it planned to continue blockades, strikes and demonstrations.
- Strike date
- 5 November 2026
- Unions in the coalition
- CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA and FSU
- Confirmed events
- More than 100
- Main demands
- Higher wages, protection of public services and jobs, and fairer wealth distribution
- Planned follow-up
- Yellow Vests coordination announced action for 6 and 7 November
5 sources
Grève SNCF, écoles, et même les banques : « on va cesser le service, on va cesser le travail », à quoi s’attendre ce jeudi 5 novembre
Manifestations et blocages de lycées, à quoi s'attendre cette semaine ?
Grève généralisée ce jeudi 5 novembre : la carte des manifestations partout en France
Colère sociale: "On a une crise du mépris", martèle Alexandre Jardin, président de l'association "Les Gueux"
What people are saying
This demonstration on the 5th is important to maintain that pressure and ensure that these measures […] on which there was finally an opening are actually implemented.
By the evening of the 5th, the executive will take stock of what we have been telling it and explaining for months.
We consider that one day will not be enough.