French union strikes for public service funding

In September 2026, various French trade unions called for large-scale mobilizations and strikes to protest budget constraints and demand increased funding for public sectors.

The CFDT union organized a strike for September 15 specifically targeting higher education and research. Their demands include more funding for universities, adherence to career and remuneration agreements, and a hiring plan to address staff shortages. They also called for the cancellation of tuition fee increases for non-EU students.

Concurrently, the CGT union called for a major mobilization of public service workers, including those in health and social action sectors, to protest budget cuts and the degradation of social services. The CGT is advocating for ‘100% Social Security for all,’ arguing that current funding levels are insufficient to meet population needs and are causing staff shortages in hospitals and emergency departments. The union is pushing the government to prioritize investment in public services over strict budgetary savings as debates for the 2027 budget begin.