The movement against pension reform is changing its face. Flashmob, torchlight descents, actions in front of symbolic places, danced choreographies, dance performance on the forecourt of the Paris Opera and free concert this Sunday by the Opera orchestra ... spread throughout France.
"We want to put the laughers on our side and do symbolic and festive actions," we told the CGT. “It is the collective imagination that takes over. Everyone is tired but the energy is stronger ”, decrypts Eric Beynel, representative of Solidaires.
VIDEO. The Paris Opera orchestra goes on strike in music
A turning point in the mode of action that comes at a time when the popularity of strikes is falling, and when the bridgeheads of the mobilizations - railway workers and transport agents - are out of breath, financially drained after more than 40 days without salary.
"What is taking shape is the end of the renewable strikes to hit hard on each new date of mobilizations like January 24, and meanwhile bring the opposition to life with new modes of action," explains this activist cégétiste . Because this change of tactical foot comes from the field. Operating mode, type of actions, calendar of these initiatives ... decisions do not come from above, but are taken locally, within professional unions, local branches, "between wrestling buddies".
"Because of Macron" to the tune of "Because of the boys"
On January 9, as the demonstrators were preparing to march in traditional rows, a group of women dressed as Rivier the riveter, the worker of the famous American poster (who has since become a feminist symbol) began to dance parodying the song "Because of the boys". "Because of Macron ... it's the fall of pensions," chirped their words ... Their idea has snowballed on the networks. Since then, identical flashmobs have been organized in Nantes, Rennes, Angers, Orléans, Dijon, Niort and even Toulouse.
"Because of Macron / it's the fall of pensions" show on the air of Because of the boys and the theme of Rosie the riveter # greve16janvier https://t.co/mpjw2Mjy1i pic.twitter.com/bvohVxYDBx
- Luc-Antoine Lenoir (@luc_lenoir) January 16, 2020Another type of booming happening: torchlight retreats - these nocturnal parades during which participants hold torches or lanterns in their hand chanting anti-reform slogans and the famous "We are there, we are there" vests yellow. These protesting but joyous “processions” have spread in many cities: in Le Havre, Brest, Rouen, Nantes, Créteil, Perpignan, Bordeaux and even Marseille.
“Throws of dresses” from lawyers or textbooks
In the wake of the lawyers who invented the "robe throw", other professions have rushed to decline this type of action during vows. We have thus seen teachers throw their new textbooks in front of the Ministry of National Education, labor inspectors carry out a "throw of Labor Codes" or even the carers of the Saint-Louis hospital get rid of their white coats in protest sign.
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VIDEO. Lawyers, firefighters and choristers: their unusual manifestations
Forensic scientists, for their part, set up a fake crime scene in front of the Louvre museum, in which they played the role ... of the victims. Because the "experts" also despair and demand the same treatment as their police colleagues in the active category.
Another place, another staging. National Furniture staff dropped their tools on Tuesday at the feet of the busy manager wishing them a happy new year. "Inventiveness shows, we are far from having finished this battle", concludes Eric Beynel.
