FRANCE · STRIKES
Published Wednesday, 21 October, 11:59 a.m. ET (5:59 p.m. Paris) · Source: statements by union leaders after talks at Matignon
One of France’s largest trade unions has urged workers to spread the strike planned for Thursday 5 November. It acted after talks with the prime minister on Wednesday produced no new measures.
Key Facts
- —What happened The CGT union urged workers to spread the strike from 5 November after talks with the prime minister.
- —Who decided CGT leader Sophie Binet, after a 2.5-hour meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
- —What happens next Another protest day on Saturday 24 October, then the strike day on Thursday 5 November.
- —Why it matters for US readers Strike days in France can disrupt travel and add to political pressure on the government.
- —Prediction markets Polymarket: 13.0% chance France declares a state of emergency by 31 December. Kalshi: 23%. As of 11:54 a.m. ET, 21 October.
In plain English
France has seen riots since a cost-of-living protest on 17 October, and some cities have curfews. Unions met the prime minister on Wednesday to ask for higher pay and more money for public services.
They say they got nothing, so the CGT, one of the country’s largest unions, wants the strike on 5 November to spread. Matignon is the prime minister’s office in Paris.
The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), one of France’s largest trade unions, urged workers on Wednesday 21 October to spread the strike planned for Thursday 5 November. It did so after talks at Matignon failed to meet its demands, in the middle of the unrest that explains why France is protesting.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu received union leaders for about two and a half hours. CGT leader Sophie Binet said the government had “not announced any measures, nor taken our demands into account” (our translation), as the France protests continue.
What the Unions Are Asking For
The CGT wants a 10% rise in the minimum wage and pay that follows price increases. It also asks for more money for public services such as schools and higher pay for public-sector workers.
Binet said the movement must now go further. “The strike must now take over,” she said, according to France 24 (our translation), and she called to spread it on 5 November “and after”.
Five Unions Behind 5 November
The 5 November strike day was already called in early October by five union groups: the CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA and FSU. They say it is about wages, public services, jobs and industry.
After the talks, CFDT leader Marylise Léon and Sophie Vénétitay of the SNES-FSU teachers’ union also called for a large turnout on 5 November, franceinfo reported. The CGT went further and urged workers to hold general assemblies, meetings where staff vote on strike action, to spread the walkout.
What Happens Next
A separate protest day, called “Acte II”, is planned for Saturday 24 October. A curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. applies in parts of central Paris, France 24 reported.
The government has to pass a budget while the pressure builds, a theme we follow in our report on whether the government can collapse. Travellers should read our guide on travel to France right now.
What Prediction Markets Say
Traders on Polymarket, a crypto-based platform, put the chance that France declares a state of emergency by 31 October at 6.5% and by 31 December at 13.0%, with US$208,797 traded. On Kalshi, which is regulated in the US by the CFTC (the Commodity Futures Trading Commission), the odds are 12% before 1 November and 23% before 1 January 2027, with 28,376 contracts traded.
Prices are as of 11:54 a.m. ET on 21 October. They are bets, not polls. Why we show this: prediction markets turn real-money bets into a live probability that moves within minutes of the news, which is why investors, campaigns and newsrooms in the United States now follow them closely. We show them next to polls and official results, never instead of them.
What It Means for US Readers
France is a popular destination for American travellers. Strike days there have often slowed trains and closed schools, so plans around 5 November deserve a check with operators.
A long standoff over pay and the budget would also test a government already under strain, which US investors in French assets follow closely.
What Is Not Known
The reports we reviewed do not say whether the CGT wants an open-ended strike or a series of strike days. Nor is it clear how many workers will join, or whether the government will offer anything before 5 November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the CGT urge a wider strike?
The CGT says Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced no measures on pay or public services at talks on 21 October. It wants the 5 November strike to spread.
What is the CGT?
The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) is one of France’s largest trade unions. Sophie Binet is its secretary general.
When is the next strike day in France?
Thursday 5 November is the strike day called by five unions. A separate protest is planned for Saturday 24 October.
What do the unions want?
The CGT wants a 10% rise in the minimum wage, pay that follows prices, and more money and pay for public services.
Is France under a state of emergency?
No state of emergency has been declared. A curfew applies in parts of central Paris, France 24 reported.
Sources: France 24 live coverage, 21 October 2026; franceinfo, 21 October 2026; Public Sénat, 21 October 2026; Polymarket and Kalshi market pages, 21 October 2026.
Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief · Editorial standards · Report an error
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