Macron’s Resolve Faces First Big Test From French Unions
- Rail workers plan 36 strike days through June against changes
- Trains, schools, air controllers to walk out on Thursday
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French President Emmanuel Macron is about to face the first major strikes after almost a year in office, testing his resolve over plans to expand competition and cut benefits at the once-vaunted state rail network.
Air traffic controllers, workers on the Paris transit system and school teachers will stage walkouts on Thursday, while labor unions plan to protest in the capital against changes at SNCF, the indebted national railroad. It’ll be the first gauge of public support for unions ahead of a planned 36 days of strikes at SNCF starting early April.