What to know about the October 2, 2025 strike in France
France faces a renewed day of protest on Thursday, October 2, 2025, as unions call for continued action following two mobilizations on September 10 and September 18. The intersyndicale umbrella – which includes CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, Unsa, FSU and Solidaires – has urged turnout nationwide, hoping to influence the first rounds of the new budget measures. While traffic and participation are unlikely to reach the heights of September 18, organizers point to hundreds of local actions and demonstrations across the country.
Official tallies ahead of October 2 suggested a smaller turnout than the September 18 mobilization, which drew large crowds. The CGT claims up to a million participants, while the FSU reported around 500,000. The unions expected around 160 gatherings nationwide, down from about 260 on the previous day. With this in mind, readers should anticipate targeted disruptions rather than a blanket stoppage.
Transport disruptions: what travelers should expect
Rail network and long-distance trains
France’s transport ministry said the TGV network should run as normal on October 2, with only limited disruptions anticipated on some regional and intercity services. SNCF Voyageurs outlined that Intercités services could be affected on a few routes, notably Lyon–Nantes, Bordeaux–Nantes and Marseille–Bordeaux. Slight disruptions were also noted on the Paris–Clermont-Ferrand and Paris–Limoges–Toulouse axes.
Paris and Île-de-France
In the capital region, expected impacts are described as modest. The RER and Transilien networks are likely to experience partial disruptions: RER C could be lightly affected; line H of the Transilien might see minor delays, while RER D and E, as well as lines L, N, R and U of Transilien, could face more noticeable disruption. The Paris portion of the RATP network is expected to operate normally, except for the RER B within the RATP perimeter, where service may run at a similarly reduced level as elsewhere in the network.
Aviation
Air travel is anticipated to see delays, though the government says the overall impact at Parisian airports should be limited. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for real-time updates on departures and arrivals.
Schools and education sector
The education sector remains mobilized after the combative Sept. 10 and the massive Sept. 18 protests. The SNUipp-FSU, the leading union for primary teachers, expects about 10% of teachers to be on strike in preschools and elementary schools, lower than the roughly 17.5% recorded on the prior action day. In secondary schools, the SNES-FSU is calling for broader participation, while some high schools experienced blockades or student-led checks on Sept. 18.
Across the nation, about 17% of teachers participated in the September 18 action. The ongoing movement reflects concerns over education funding and reforms and suggests that participation could be variable on October 2, depending on local conditions and school leadership responses.
Health, social services and public sector
In health and social care, CFDT Santé-Sociaux has filed a strike notice for October 2, targeting budgets that could blunt staff resources if not carefully allocated. Although a service minimum is planned, doctors, nurses and other health workers may join local actions. A minority of pharmacies were active on September 18, but government measures that limited discounts on generic medicines appear to have been suspended, reducing the likelihood of wide participation in pharmacy strikes this time.
The public sector remains a focal point of the protests. The CGT’s federation for public services called for organized local and national actions wherever feasible, touching on local authorities, public establishments, housing offices, water services and even funeral services. Solidaires Fonction publique and SUD Collectivités Territoriales have also filed strike notices. In the last mobilization, roughly 12% of state workers were on strike, signaling a readiness among civil servants to participate again depending on regional conditions.
Practical guidance for Oct 2
If you are traveling, working or sending your children to school on October 2, prepare for some disruption by checking official transport updates and school notices the day before. Allow extra travel time in urban hubs like Paris and major regional cities, and consider flexible work arrangements where possible. Local media and transport operators will publish advisory bulletins as the day approaches, helping you navigate any selective service interruptions and school closures.
Bottom line
The October 2, 2025 strike in France signals continued union pressure against budget measures while underscoring the variability of disruption across sectors. While transport may see mixed, localized interruptions and the education sector aviation the potential for partial shutdowns, readers should monitor official channels closely as the day unfolds and plan accordingly.
