The Alliance union, representing French police officers, has threatened to disrupt the Olympic torch relay ahead of the Paris Games in July unless officers receive promised bonuses. The union alleges that payments of up to 1,900 euros ($2,032) have been withheld by the prime minister’s office and economy ministry. The union has warned of further actions, including a demonstration on Thursday, stating that they “do not rule out disturbing the torch relay.” This threat adds to the challenges faced by French authorities in negotiating bonuses for public sector staff who will be required to work during the traditional summer holiday period.
The biggest union representing staff in the civil service, the CGT, has issued a strike threat from its members over the duration of the Olympics, which begin on July 26. The torch relay is set to begin in Marseille on May 8. The country’s militant air traffic controllers have also announced a strike this Thursday, even though they had promised an “Olympic truce” last September. Workers at the national mint producing the medals for the competitors have also been on strike, demanding bonuses for what they say is highly demanding work.
“I hope that we welcome the whole world in the best possible conditions and that we don’t ruin the party,” chief Games organiser Tony Estanguet said in February when asked about the risk of stoppages in the famously strike-prone country. The first Olympics in Paris in 100 years are set to take place from July 26-August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28-September 8.
