# France's unions stage nationwide strike over wages and living costs

> Hundreds of thousands joined coordinated protests across France on Thursday, demanding higher pay, cheaper living and better public services as anger spreads across Europe.
- Title: France's unions stage nationwide strike over wages and living…
- Summary: Hundreds of thousands joined coordinated protests across France on Thursday, demanding higher pay, cheaper living and better public services as anger spreads…
- Keywords: france, strikes, unions, wages, cost of living, protests, cgt, public services, students, pensioners, RFI
- Source: RFI — https://rfi.fr/en/france/20261105-french-unions-join-forces-for-nationwide-strike-as-protests-intensify
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: france, strikes, unions, wages, cost of living, protests, cgt, public services, students, pensioners, news, world
## Hundreds of thousands march across France
The Interior Ministry reported 270,000 demonstrators at 180 protests outside Paris on Thursday, with the capital's count not yet included. The CGT union separately reported more than 250,000 protesters in 73 towns and cities.
## Workers, students and pensioners unite
The day of action brought together private sector employees, civil servants and pensioners for the first time since September, adding to a movement started by high school and university students angry over poor school conditions.
## Unions demand wages and budget change
The CGT general secretary Sophie Binet told France 2 television: "We want two things: wage increases everywhere and a revision of the government's draft budget which, as it stands, is catastrophic for the country."

> We want two things: wage increases everywhere ... and a revision of the government's draft budget which, as it stands, is catastrophic for the country
## Police deploy 70,000 officers across country
Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across France as clashes broke out in several cities including Lyon. Police used drones, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannon during the operation.
## Disputed turnout figures in major cities
In Lyon, police counted 30,000 demonstrators while unions put the figure at 55,000. Tensions were also reported in Toulouse, Rennes, Pau and Orléans. The Interior Ministry said most demonstrations proceeded without major incidents.
## Transport and schools disrupted nationwide
Rail services were disrupted across France, particularly on regional and suburban lines. Around 17 percent of primary school teachers were on strike. High school pupils attempted to block schools in Paris, Strasbourg and Bordeaux.
## Healthcare workers strike over budget cuts
A coalition of unions representing Social Security employees called staff to strike over planned budget cuts.

> I can find myself with maybe four or even five residents to assist with meals. In our facilities, we aren't given the necessary tools to better support our elderly
## European protests planned for later this month
Representatives from unions and rights groups in France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece called for coordinated demonstrations across Europe from Friday, 20 November through the weekend against rising living costs.
## Yellow Vest movement extends action
The Yellow Vest movement joined the mobilisation, calling for strikes and blockades to continue on Friday, 6 November, followed by further demonstrations on Saturday as part of its fourth weekend of action.
## Key takeaway

French unions, students and pensioners staged nationwide strikes and demonstrations on Thursday demanding higher wages, action on living costs and better public services, with police reporting 270,000 demonstrators outside Paris.