The Olympic and Paralympic Video games are set to turn into the “greatest occasion ever organized in France,” in accordance to their official web site, and the federal government has leaned closely on them as a part of its messaging: In his New Yr’s tackle, French President Emmanuel Macron solid the internet hosting of the Video games as a part of a yr of “delight” and “hope” for France.
Guerini mentioned Saturday that “this second have to be a second of success for the nation.”
Labor strikes, a reality of life in France, are a giant concern: To tug off the Video games, French authorities plan to recruit tens of 1000’s of cops, army personnel, non-public safety guards and different staff. Any main strike through the Video games could possibly be extremely disruptive.
The announcement got here days after a main French union threatened strikes through the Olympics if the federal government didn’t make preparations for staff on questions of extra time, housing and youngster care, for instance. A number of different unions additionally submitted strike notices masking the interval of the Video games, although it’s not but clear whether or not they intend to stroll off the job.
Tourism officers estimate that greater than 15 million guests will descend upon Paris and its environment for the Video games. The French capital has formidable plans to host sporting occasions round landmarks such because the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River and to drag off historical past’s most environmentally pleasant Olympic and Paralympic Video games.
However some polls present French persons are extra skeptical, as considerations mount about disruptions to public transportation, elevated visitors, litter from public works, and costs.
On Thursday, Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union of salaried staff, mentioned her union would strike if the federal government didn’t put together the Video games “from a social viewpoint,” together with by means of advantages for staff.
As lately as January, authorities staff organized a protest in entrance of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s workplace to demand bonuses and different types of compensation for working the Video games. Some held indicators and chanted, “The Olympics can be with out us,” in accordance with French newspaper Le Monde.
That very same month, about 200 cops drove by means of Paris atop buses to demand ensures from the federal government on bonuses and time-off compensation through the Video games, Le Parisien reported.
Relations between the federal government and numerous unions have been notably tense in recent times. In 2024 alone, farmers have disrupted public occasions, placing up roadblocks and driving into Paris with tractors, to demand extra protections for the agriculture sector. Final month, the Eiffel Tower shut down for days when staff went on strike to demand greater pay and modifications within the administration of the monument.
Guerini mentioned Saturday that plans are in place to deal with authorities staff’ “reliable” considerations. He mentioned the federal government will supply staff concerned within the Video games 500 ($550), 1,000 ($1,094) or 1,500 euros, relying on their degree of involvement. This might apply to safety officers, but additionally to consular staff accountable for processing visa purposes for individuals coming to the Video games, he mentioned.
French Inside Minister Gérald Darmanin beforehand introduced that cops concerned within the Video games could be eligible for a bonus of as much as 1,900 euros ($2,080).
Guerini mentioned the federal government may even supply help to the households of presidency staff, who could should work lengthy hours through the Olympics. Measures embrace cost of as much as 350 euros ($384) per youngster for additional prices, in addition to opening spots in nurseries and vacation camps.
As a result of the Video games fall in July and August — usually, a sacred interval for French households to go on trip — authorities staff who should work throughout that point may even be capable of take their trip at one other date, Guerini mentioned.
The federal government is ready to debate the measures with unions representing authorities staff on Tuesday. “The entire nation hopes there can be no strikes for the Olympic and Paralympic Video games,” Guerini mentioned.