Strike threats loom as Paris gets ready for Olympics

As athletes around the world gear up for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, French transport workers are preparing for a series of strikes.

CGT-RATP union members have a strike notice in place until September 9 that could hit the Ile-de-France bus and metro network - including during the Olympics.

The French like nothing more than a good grève, and a manifestation (march) or two.

The French Senate adopted a bill on April 9 to allow the state to ban transport strikes for set periods each year to avoid disruption during major events like the Games.

It also calls for more advance warning of strikes and increased minimum service obligations.

But the bill faces opposition and must be adopted by the French National Assembly before it becomes law.

Workers at the state-owned public transport company say they are planning to walk out over a pay dispute.

Air traffic controllers are also unhappy, but called off a planned strike last Thursday following a breakdown in salary negotiations and the planned overhaul of France’s air traffic control system.

The air traffic union has said members will strike over a busy May weekend period if demands are not met.