Striking is a long-standing tradition in France, and the country has a history of industrial action and protests that stretches back centuries. The French have a reputation for being particularly prone to striking, with strikes and demonstrations being a common sight on the streets of the country's cities. So why do the French go on strike so often, and what is the history behind this tradition?
The tradition of striking in France can be traced back to the 19th century when the country underwent significant industrialisation and urbanisation. Workers in factories and other industries faced poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours, and they began to organise and protest for better treatment. One of the earliest and most significant strikes in French history was the 1848 revolution, which saw workers and other groups protest against the monarchy and demand greater political rights and freedoms. This revolution paved the way for subsequent worker-led protests and strikes throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Throughout the 20th century, striking became an increasingly common way for French workers to assert their rights and negotiate better conditions. In 1936, a wave of strikes swept across the country, leading to the adoption of the "Front Populaire" government and the establishment of a series of labour protections and social welfare programs. In the post-war era, striking continued to be an important tool for workers to demand better pay and conditions, particularly in the public sector. In 1968, a series of student protests and worker strikes paralysed the country and led to significant social and political changes.
Today, the French continue to be among the most active strikers in the world, with an average of around 120 days lost per 1,000 workers due to strikes. There are a few reasons for this: firstly, France has a strong tradition of labour rights and protections, and workers are often willing to fight to defend these rights. Additionally, French unions are relatively powerful, and they are able to organise large-scale protests and strikes that can have a significant impact on the country's economy. In recent years, strikes have been prevalent in France, with the "Gilets Jaunes" protests which were almost a weekly occurrence all around the country to the current protests surrounding the shift in retirement age that Macron forced through the government earlier in April.
