One, Two, Three Strikes You're Out!
Strikes in Europe, and how to avoid their effects
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| Flexible travel plans are always a good idea, especially during the summer strike season. |
By Robin Goddard
After studying abroad in the south of France for nine months, Michaelanne Jerome, now a Europe Through the Back Door travel advisor and guide, was tired, broke, and ready to go home.
She had just boarded her Air France flight in Marseilles, which would take her to Paris and then home to the United States. But while her plane was still on the tarmac, the baggage handlers went on strike.
Her plane was finally allowed to take off, but by the time she got to Paris, she had missed her United Airlines connection back to the US. Because the two airlines were not partners, United would not put her on a different flight unless she paid $3,000 for a new ticket. The airline finally relented.
"I caused the biggest scene of my life, but it was worth it," Jerome said. "Most people would just buy the ticket."
This travel situation is common in France. And in summer, worker strikes are as frequent as the tourists. Coincidence? I think not. Unions have tremendous power in this part of the world, and can virtually shut down a country, least of all a traveler with a tight itinerary.
"Certain industries in France have benefits grandfathered in which are make no sense at all today (such as retirement for miners after twenty years based on diseases that they no longer get from that line of work)." said Rick Steves, from a phone booth in France. "A government with a record of generous policies for its workers can't just back out of this without a fight. Most French understand why labor is upset but understand also that the new government actions are only common sense."
It's hard to foresee travel problems caused by the strikes, but travelers can prepare for them.
During rail strikes, you can rent a car instead of taking the train. But more importantly, it's wise to be aware. For example, in Italy many of the strikes are announced days in advance, with signs posted saying Sciopero! (Strike!) hanging around the country. In France, the word for strike is grève.
Some strikes are not announced, and on May 13, 2003 thousands of Parisians were forced to take the day off or walk to work. This public sector strike was over the government's decision to increase the number of years people would need to work to qualify for a full retirement benefits.
Strikes can affect the following industries:
- telecommunications (no phone operators)
- education (no teachers)
- bus and rail (no drivers or conductors)
- petrol (no gas for bus, trains, car)
- trucking (no deliveries and huge traffic jams)
- airline (huge delays and cancellations)
- museums (no once-in-a-lifetime visits to the Louvre.)
Why do people in certain European countries strike while others do not? In the case of France, it stems from taxes.
"The French complain bitterly about their high taxes, but they are loathe to relinquish their social benefits, including shorter work hours, several weeks of paid vacation, comprehensive health care, etc.," according to Scott Bernhard, a Europe Through the Back Door Village France guide. "When the government makes an effort to control spending by freezing wages, cutting back social services, or doing anything to upset the worker's carefully-balanced apple cart, the people involved, most recently those in the transportation industry, don't waste any time in expressing their displeasure."
In the past, the French government often backs down and will make some sort of compromise with the workers.
"The strikes tend to be shorter but more frequent than in the US because social protest is an integral part of the French way of life," Bernhard said.
France and Italy have more strikes than any other European country, and occur at least three times a year per country.
"I have been in France for the last two weeks dancing around these strikes with no major problem. It is wise to ask locals for the latest," Rick said. "They usually have a good feel for what's coming. Last week in Marseilles, I was surrounded by thousands of strikers marching through the streets. It was a festive occasion. The museums were closed, so I explored the markets and enjoyed photographing striking parents — children rode on their shoulders and learned first hand what labor action is all about."