Will farmers' anger lead to a general strike?
The CGT called on its activists
“to create the conditions allowing the demands of employees, agricultural workers and farmers to converge”
, in a press release published this Thursday, January 25.
While farmers are expressing their dissatisfaction, notably demanding higher incomes and protesting against standards that have become too burdensome in their view, other professions seem tempted to ride on the movement.
Fishermen joined demonstrators in the streets of Rennes this Thursday.
Road hauliers took part in roadblocks near Lyon, among tractors.
Construction craftsmen also joined the protests in places.
Also read: Farmers' anger: where are the traffic blocking points located?
Convergence of “marginal” struggles
However, nothing suggests, for the moment, a convergence of struggles.
The demands remain intrinsically linked to agricultural activities.
“Conjunctions of struggle with other professions are marginal”
, noted Territorial Intelligence in a note on Wednesday, revealed by Franceinfo, emphasizing that
“agricultural corporatism does not promote the convergence of struggles”
.
The National Road Transport Federation, which represents companies in the sector, assures that it has
“not noticed a national movement”
of its employees rallying behind the farmers’ discontent.
The bosses would even be
“very worried”
about the blockages on the roads which cause
“delivery delays and loss of money”
.
The CFDT route, however, threatened a movement similar to that of the farmers
"in the days or weeks to come"
but for a completely different demand: the union demands the appointment of a Minister of Transport, a position vacant since the beginning of January.
In the South-West, as in Toulouse, taxis also took advantage of the disorder to demonstrate their disagreement with the new agreement for medical transport that they must sign by February.
Support for farmers
Several professions linked to farmers also expressed their support for the demonstrations, without calling on their members to join the movement.
The Union of Hotel and Restaurant Trades and Industries (Umih) said it
“understands their demand to be able to make a living from their work”
.
“Without them, we would not be able to serve our customers with fresh, quality products
,” added its president Thierry Marx.
The French Confederation of Butchers, Charcuterie, Caterers (CFBCT) also said it was
“in solidarity with the breeders”
.
“It is urgent to respond to farmers’ demands with immediate and concrete measures.”
There remains a risk, brandished by the Territorial Intelligence note: that the unions will be overtaken by their base, including among farmers already mobilized.
For the moment, this is only happening
“in a very limited way”
but
“the unions risk being overwhelmed if the wait is too long”
.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal must present measures this Friday.