France is gearing up for a significant nationwide strike on Thursday, September 18, 2025, that is expected to deeply disrupt travel and daily life. Hundreds of thousands of workers across various sectors including rail transport, healthcare, and education will participate in the strike, spurred by widespread discontent over the government’s draft 2026 budget. Authorities are preparing for road blockades and protests, anticipating that this strike will be one of the most challenging travel days of the year, impacting rail lines, metro systems, buses, and air networks. Although air traffic control unions have postponed their strikes, many smaller unions are still set to walk out, contributing to the mounting disruption.
The roots of this unrest lie in the government’s austerity measures outlined in the budget proposal, which includes freezes on social welfare spending and cuts to public services. The anger surrounding pension reforms enacted in 2023, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, has seen a resurgence, uniting various unions and left-wing political parties in opposition. Organizers anticipate a turnout of around 400,000 demonstrators, nearly doubling earlier protest participation in the “Bloquons tout” demonstrations earlier this month. The coordination among different unions is notable, with calls for widespread workplace walkouts and public blockades intensifying the anticipated disruption.
The political landscape has not helped ease tensions; the resignation of former Prime Minister François Bayrou, following the collapse of his government over budget disputes, has created further instability. His successor, Sébastien Lecornu, faces criticism for continuing the controversial policies from the Macron era which have sparked prior unrest. This political backdrop is fueling the frustrations of workers who feel sidelined and unheard, contributing to a sense of urgency among unions to take action.
Travelers should prepare for severe impacts due to the strike, as multiple key unions within France’s transport sector have filed notices. The four primary unions representing workers at the state-owned public transport operator RATP have aligned with three rail unions that represent a significant majority of rail staff, anticipating widespread cancellations of TGV, regional TER, and commuter services throughout the strike day. In Paris, disruptions to metro lines, the RER commuter trains, trams, and buses are expected from September 17-19, compounding travel difficulties in the capital.
Air travel is also set to be affected, despite postponements from larger air traffic control unions. Smaller unions representing Air France and other air staff are proceeding with planned strikes, likely leading to flight cancellations and delays. Furthermore, ground staff at airports may strike, exacerbating congestion at check-in and security processes. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) is expected to provide updates as the date approaches, urging travelers to confirm their flight statuses before embarking on their journeys.
Additionally, widespread protests are anticipated on the roads, with taxi drivers, ride-hailing service workers, and delivery personnel likely to join demonstrations. Although no formal calls for road blockades have been issued by unions, previous instances have seen taxi drivers engage in “snail” protests, deliberately slowing traffic to draw attention. This could further complicate access to crucial transport hubs like airports and train stations. Other sectors, such as healthcare, will also feel the effects, with many pharmacies expected to close, offering only emergency services as mandated by local authorities, thereby amplifying the impact of the strikes on daily life in France.
