The call for a new day of action
France is bracing for a fresh round of protests on Thursday, October 2, 2025, as major union bodies call for nationwide mobilisations. The intersyndicale umbrella group of unions—CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, Unsa, FSU, and Solidaires—announced the day after a largely fruitless meeting with Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. Leaders have argued that core reforms, including pensions and the so‑called year of zero contributions, remain on the negotiating table and require further pressure from the streets. In the wake of September 18’s demonstrations, which unions described in different counts as between 500,000 and one million participants, Thursday’s turnout is expected to be lower but still substantial in many regions.
Organisers emphasize that the strike is aimed at the government’s budget measures and broader reform agenda, not at a single sector. The Montreuil headquarters of the CGT noted that, so far, roughly 160 local gatherings have been announced across France, compared with about 260 on the previous day of action. As in past rounds, the protest movement is spread across transport, education, health, and public services, with local variations in participation and disruption.
Transport disruptions to anticipate
Rail network and air travel
The Ministry of Transport has signaled that, despite the call to strike, the rail network is likely to run with limited disruption overall. Specifically, TGV traffic is expected to be normal, but some perturbations may affect regional and intercity services. SNCF has detailed that certain Intercités routes could experience delays on axes such as Lyon–Nantes, Bordeaux–Nantes and Marseille–Bordeaux, while traffic on Paris–Clermont-Ferrand and Paris–Limoges–Toulouse might see light disturbances.
In the Paris region, Île-de-France Mobilités projected only mild disruption beyond a generally stable service on many lines. The RER network shows variegated impact: RER C could be slightly slower, RER D and E might face more noticeable issues, and lines L, N, R and U of the Transilien could also be affected. The RER B within the Paris area is said to operate in near‑normal fashion under the wider RATP umbrella. For air travel, the ministries indicated that delays are likely, but no major airport-wide disruption was anticipated in Paris, with the overall impact expected to be modest.
Urban mobility in other regions
Outside Île-de-France, regional trains and buses may experience sporadic delays or cancellations depending on local participation. Commuters are advised to check operator websites and transport apps the evening before and on Thursday morning for the most up-to-date schedules.
Education: schools and universities on alert
Education remains a central pillar of the protests. FSU-SNUipp, the leading teachers’ union in primary schools, has warned that the movement will continue and seeks to intensify participation on October 2. The SNUipp-FSU projects about 10% of primary teachers being on strike, down from roughly 17.5% on September 18, according to the national education ministry. In secondary schools, the mobilization also appears to be cooling somewhat, though the SNES-FSU has called for broader action. On September 18, roughly 17% of teachers participated, and several high schools faced blockades or filtering checks. Families should expect some school closures or late starts in affected districts and should monitor local notices for school-by-school updates.
Health and social services
The CFDT Santé-Sociaux federation has filed a strike notice covering health, social, and medico-social establishments. Union leaders argue for a more equitable budget that would reduce debt without placing an excessive burden on frontline staff. As with other sectors, a minimal service will be ensured to protect essential care. The protest aims to press for better staffing and resources, echoing prior rounds that highlighted staffing shortages in hospitals and care facilities.
Public services and government administration
Public service unions, including the CGT’s federation for public services and other groups such as Solidaires Fonction publique and SUD Collectivités territoriales, have issued pre-notices calling for widespread action in local authorities, housing offices, water utilities, and related public services. After September 18, around 12% of state workers reportedly participated in the strike, signaling durable but uneven enthusiasm for the Oct 2 mobilization. Expect local demonstrations, potential service slowdowns, and increased calls for remote work or alternative arrangements in some agencies.
What to plan for on October 2
Travelers, students, healthcare workers, and public servants should plan for possible delays and last‑minute changes. If you rely on rail or bus services, check with operators the night before and on the day itself. In Paris, expect normal operations on most lines, with tactical disruptions on the RER B perimeters and several Transilien lines; outside Paris, regional services may be patchier. Given the broader political context, even if mass turnout is smaller than September 18, the day could still prove disruptive in specific cities or corridors.
For families and commuters, the best approach is to stay informed through official transport and education channels, prepare for potential delays, and consider flexible plans for Thursday. The unions have signaled that the movement will continue until their demands gain traction in budgetary talks and policymaking.
