French Senate votes to implement strike-free days in transport sector ahead of Olympics – POLITICO

“The fight that the French are waging (during transport strikes) underlines the responsibility that weighs on companies and unions to avoid finding themselves in these situations,” declared Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete. “I believe that we must above all strengthen dialogue within the transport sector to avoid strikes.”

But not all supporters of French President Emmanuel Macron agree – and a debate in the lower house could highlight fissures within the pro-government coalition.

“When you can’t go home during the holidays to visit your father or mother who you haven’t seen for months, that’s a problem,” said Maud Bregeon, MP for the Renaissance party. of Macron, in a press release. TV interview Tuesday. “I don’t know if I would vote for the bill, but I share its philosophy.”

Strikes are also a major concern for French authorities in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games, which will take place in Paris and other cities across the country. The main Parisian transport union has already issued several months’ strike notice, covering the period of the Games, with the aim of forcing its management to begin collective negotiations.

“Everything will be done to avoid any risk of strike during (the Games),” Macron declared in July 2022 in an interview with the sports daily l’Équipe.