French Trade Union CGT Calls for Nationwide Strike on October 1st

The CGT, a major French trade union, has announced a nationwide strike on October 1st, aiming to pressure the government on a range of issues including pensions, wages, public services, and industrial development. The union has chosen this date strategically, coinciding with the start of parliamentary debate on the 2025 state budget. The strike call follows a previous announcement by CGT leader Sophie Binet for a ‘combative social rentrée’ in late September or early October. The union is calling for the repeal of the pension reform, increases in wages and pensions, gender equality, and stronger public services, alongside support for industrial employment.