Éric Ciotti Proposes Bill to Regulate Strikes During Christmas Holidays
In a bold move aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of strikes in France, Éric Ciotti, president of the Union des Droites (UDR), announced his intention to submit a bill that seeks to regulate the right to strike, particularly in the transport sector during the Christmas holidays. Speaking on TF1, Ciotti emphasized the need for political courage to tackle what he describes as a 'strike culture' perpetuated by left-wing unions. He stated, "It is unworthy to threaten the French who aspire to this time of peace," highlighting the impact of strikes on holiday travel.
Ciotti's proposal draws inspiration from Italy, where strikes are prohibited in transport from December 17 to January 7. He aims to implement a similar ban in France for the fifteen days of the Christmas truce, as well as on the first and last days of school holidays. Additionally, he advocates for a minimum service of 50% on public holidays to ensure that the rights of workers to move and travel are protected during peak times.
The Context of the Proposed Legislation
This proposal comes at a time when unions have called for mobilization just before the holiday season, raising concerns about potential disruptions in transport services. Ciotti criticized the current state of affairs, arguing that the right to strike must be limited to protect the freedoms of the general public. He stated, "The right to strike must have a limit; it is the freedom to work, to move around, to live of the French who can no longer stand people who have a relatively privileged status taking others who work all year hostage."
This is not the first attempt to address the issue of strikes in France. In April, a bill was passed by senators aimed at reconciling public transport services with the right to strike, proposing to suspend this right during significant holiday periods. Ciotti's current initiative seeks to build on these previous efforts, calling for the government to support his bill and urging Prime Minister Michel Barnier to take action.
A Call for Action Against 'Powerlessness'
Ciotti's statements reflect a growing frustration among the French public regarding the frequency and impact of strikes, particularly during critical travel periods. He expressed confidence in his ability to gather a majority in Parliament to support this legislation, stating, "It is not because it has been going on for a long time that it has to continue indefinitely." His call for action resonates with many who feel that the current strike culture is unsustainable and detrimental to the public's right to access essential services during the holiday season.
