Opinion: The French Tradition of Striking

"Striking is our national sport," a French friend joked to me recently. I have lived and worked in Lyon, France for over 2 years, and it does seem as though there is always some kind of strike or protest going on. Everyone is forced to notice because we are unable to get from one place to another efficiently. It is not uncommon for those who take the train to stay home from work on these occasions.

Recently, the strikes in France regarding retirement reforms have taken a place in the international spotlight. Many North Americans sigh in exasperation when they hear that the French are striking, AGAIN. It may be hard for us to feel sympathetic about the minimum retirement age being moved up from 60-62 when we know that the French have 35 hour work weeks and get at least 5 weeks of holiday a year. We may also guffaw when we remember that the French football team went on strike during the World Cup this year after a dispute with their coach.

On one hand, I feel annoyed about the frequency of strikes and protests because of the inconveniences they cause, and because I think the French are actually very lucky to have such great social benefits and programs.

On the other hand, I see the value of the French practice of striking. France has what it has—Universal healthcare, free University education, excellent unemployment benefits, a minimum of 5 weeks of holidays a year, and 35 hour work weeks—because of a long tradition of people willing to act in order to make new ground or to protect what they already have.

The French custom of striking seems to be passed down from generation to generation. Parents often bring their children with them to strikes, instilling in them early this particular tradition. This culture of protest took root with the French Revolution in 1789. France was the first country in Europe to break free from the bonds of feudalism, and since this oppressive time, French people have nurtured a wariness of authority and a strong willingness to fight for their rights. Throughout history, this revolutionary streak has reappeared. During the Nazi occupation of France in WWII, an important resistance movement developed in the free-zone in and around Lyon. As well, the great strikes of May 1968 heralded major changes for workers rights and witnessed a shedding of traditional morality for more modern ideals.

While the French are proud of their revolutionary past, they are also able to make fun of themselves. When the footballers went on strike earlier this year, many French people rolled their eyes or made a crack at their reputation as "un pays des râleurs" or "a country of moaners and complainers."

As a North American living in France, I have learned that it is necessary to take these events in stride--to view the French practice of striking in its historical context and to choose to be amused rather than annoyed when my plans get marred. The French have a long history and tradition of striking, and I guess that this is just, well, one of the many charms of French culture.