Between 100,000 and 150,000 people will take to the streets this Wednesday across France. But after a united parade last year, the unions will be divided this time.
Back to normal. For this May 1 2024, there will be no sacred union in the four corners of France to celebrate Labor Day. Exit the unitary processions of 2023 and the common outcry against the pension reform, make way for a more classic mobilization, in which the different union organizations will demonstrate each on their side with varied demands. By 2023, 800,000 people had taken to the streets. This Wednesday, an influx of 100,000 to 150,000 people is expected across the country. A demonstration orchestrated around three pillars: peace, Europe and austerity.
CGT and FSU: together for peace and in the face of austerity
In 2023, the eight main unions, CGT, CFDT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, FSU, Unsa and Solidaires, marched together for a record mobilization, marked by significant clashes. In 2024, the situation is no longer the same and the watchwords are very different.
The CGT, the FSU and Solidaires call in a press release to “demonstrate everywhere in France”, in particular “against austerity”, for employment and wages. These organizations “also reaffirm their commitment to a just and lasting peace”. Same story for Unef, Page and MNL who are launching an appeal against indecent profits and “gifts to employers”. Peace in the face of current conflicts, between Russia and Ukraine, or Israel and Hamas, is also at the heart of the anger.
The CFDT advocates a “more ambitious Europe”
For its part, the CFDT has decided to demand a “more ambitious Europe for workers” just over a month before the European elections. The general secretary, Marylise Léon, will be present in Nancy this Wednesday. “With also highlighted, the risk of the extreme right in power and the importance of democracy” we specify in the ranks of the CFDT. Not very talkative, FO indicates that it will march “on its own positions and demands”. Finally, Unsa calls for mobilization by pointing out the “falling purchasing power” and the “stigmatization of the unemployed and the poorest”.
“A very relative craze”
This year, pro-Palestinian movements could also join the processions. Anti-Olympic slogans could also flourish, in order to support the civil servants mobilized by the event and not paid enough according to the unions. A source close to the Ministry of the Interior also tells France Info that the farmers’ movement is not over. Some targeted actions from the agricultural world cannot be excluded. Finally, due to the reduced number of participants compared to last year, a “very relative enthusiasm” is to be expected, confided a police source to AFP.