Strikes and disruptions at French airports

[gregdedman]

Hola all,

I thought that i'd start a topic regarding the troubles in France for anyone heading to the start of their Camino or indeed leaving for home.
In France millions of students and workers have been striking for a week and protesting against government reforms to up the age of retirement from 60 to 62 years of age. There have been reports of rioting, fuel blockades and actual taking over of individual airports.
A third of the whole countries 12,000 fuel stations have run out of fuel and closed, flights in, out, and even over France are being cancelled and trains are also being cancelled due to the shortages. Strikers have also blocked 3 of the country's largest gas supplies which is taking things to another level.

How does this affect us pilgrims?
Well if your flying to French airports, and catching the trains to st jean in the next few days, it could be a problem. I suggest checking with the airline your travelling with. Also remain flexible if you manage to get to france with regards to your onward travel to St Jean.

I do not know the 'real time' affect on the ground, as im supposed to be flying out in 6 days time myself so if there are any pilgrims out there who are stuck in this, do post if you can with any information you may have.

Good luck and Buen Camino!
Greg

 

[andy.d]

My daughter (who will be a peregrina this time next year) has successfully flown from the UK to Nimes today on a school exchange trip. It's certainly possible to travel there and around at the moment, bearing in mind there is disruption and there are some days with General Strikes.

Andy

 

[ranthr]

There were strikes going on last week too. Starting on Tuesday with all trains on the ground. Managed to get to Bayonne and Bordeaux from San Sebastian Wednesday on buses and the one train going that day to Paris. At home I would perhaps not have taken theese alternatives as a union member! My train to Norway was affected by a strike in the flightcontrol, but I arrived some hour after scedule getting less sleep before going to the north of Norway next morning. I hope the problems solve themselves along the road for people affected by the strikes.
In Norway the age of getting a pension normally is 67 unless you have a special agreement, so I think the age og 60 in France is luxurious. But I can understand young people worrying about getting work if the retirement age limit is raised.
ranthr

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Worse comes to worst, there IS a camino south from Paris, y´know.... :lol:

 

[skilsaw]

In Norway the age of getting a pension normally is 67 unless you have a special agreement, so I think the age og 60 in France is luxurious. But I can understand young people worrying about getting work if the retirement age limit is raised.

I took advantage of an option to retire at 55. Still can't believe it after 32 years of 9:00 to 5:00. Canada's national old age pension begins at 65.

The French people are very vocal and it seems someone is always protesting or striking about something. Then there are a handful of militants and anarchists who set fire to cars and set up blockades. These are the people we see on the news.

If you get caught up in the strike, be flexible and willing to look at options. Bus, Plane, Trains.

Think of the strike as part of your journey. Monitor your feelings, what can you learn about yourself by it?

As with other problems, this too shall pass.

David, Victoria, Canada.