The debate over the great French strike of 1995

Abstract

Six years ago, France was shaken by a wave of strikes in the public sector, motivated by the social security reform project presented by the right-wing government of Alain Juppé, under the presidency of Jacques Chirac, and by the plan contract between the State and SNCF. (Société Nationale de Chemins de Fer) from 1996-2000. Started by railway workers and expanded by metro workers, it quickly spread among different categories of public servants, such as employees of EDF (electricity company), France Télécom (telecommunications), La Poste (post office), teachers and administrative employees.