Embassy in Paris has issued a security warning to Americans in France ahead of a nationwide strike expected to disrupt trains, public transportation, flights and public services on Thursday. The alert, issued on November 4, said a "nationwide multi-sector strike" is due to take place on November 5, involving teachers, health care workers and government employees, as well as public transport workers across the entire country. Demonstrations are also expected nationwide and could continue through the weekend.
The action is part of a broader dispute over wages, public services, employment and the French government's budget plans. According to the French General Confederation of Labour (CGT), unions are demanding higher wages and pensions, greater funding for public services and changes to the government's proposed state and Social Security budgets for 2027. It said 1,512 strike calls had been recorded and listed demonstrations in cities across France, including Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Dijon, Caen and Nîmes.
The French Democratic Confederation of Labour has similarly cited falling purchasing power, frozen public-sector pay, threats to employment and pressure on public services. Embassy in Paris warned that rail disruptions could begin as early as the evening of November 4, while metro services could experience delays or last-minute station closures. Air travel and roads might also be affected, and schools, hospitals, banks and government offices could close or provide reduced services.
Travel disruption in Paris is already taking shape. RATP, the capital's public transport operator, says numerous metro stations will close from 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, at the police's request for security reasons. They include Concorde, Assemblée Nationale, Invalids, Madeleine, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau, Franklin D.
Stations will reopen only with authorization from the police. The embassy has also urged travelers to contact their airlines directly because flights could be affected. Despite the disruption, the U.S. hasn't imposed a "travel ban" on France, and the embassy isn't telling Americans not to travel there.
The country currently carries a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory from the U.S. Department of State, issued October 21 because of "terrorism and unrest." Level 2 means travelers should be aware of increased safety and security risks, rather than avoid the country altogether. The department reserves "Do Not Travel" advice for its highest category, which is Level 4.
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