Paris 2024 Olympics thrown into chaos as police threaten Macron with huge strike

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Police officers across France are mobilising in response to the uncertainty surrounding their roles during the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, in a major threat to Emmanuel Macron and the French Government. The unions have called for demonstrations and strikes, expressing concern about the lack of clarity regarding working conditions, childcare arrangements, and the potential for extended working hours during the global event scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

“We mobilised in the provinces, and now we’re going to make a mess in Paris,” said a trade unionist addressing hundreds of police officers in front of the City Hall.

The call for “Black Thursday” resonated across Marseille, Lorient, Blois, Bourges, Nantes, Brest, Saint-Malo, Rennes, and beyond, with officers expressing their anger at police stations and on pavements. Toll gates at Le Boulou on the A9 motorway were blocked, causing flight delays at Orly and Roissy airports due to deliberate ID checks.

Emmanuel Macron and the French Government are under fire

Concerns voiced by Fabien Vanhemelryck, Secretary-General of Alliance, highlight the emotional and physical toll on officers. “The Olympics are looming at a time when our colleagues, who have been under intense pressure for more than four years, are morally, physically, and psychologically exhausted,” he said.

The unions are pressing for clarity on critical issues such as human resources, work cycles, and accommodation. Olivier Varlet, head of Unsa-police, stressed the need for information, stating: “We need to know now who will be hired, whether voluntary or not, what the work cycles will be and where the accommodation will be. For the moment, we have no answers.”

Gérald Darmanin, the French Minister of the Interior, met with the trade unions, proposing a potential EUR 500 million package.

This package could fund employment service vouchers, subsidise stays in holiday camps, and provide support for childcare during the Games. Negotiations are ongoing, with unions pressing for an “Olympic Games” bonus of up to €2,000 per employee.

The police, crucial for the success of the global event, are seeking recognition, holidays, and fair compensation for their sacrifices. The unions are awaiting an “Olymp package” from the Ministry of the Interior, expected before the end of the month.

As tensions rise, Emmanuel Quéméner, Alliance delegate for the Île-de-France region, voiced the frustration of police officers: “We’re told we’ll have to work overtime, we’re told we won’t be entitled to leave during the Olympic Games. We’re told that we don’t know how we’re going to manage childcare. And that’s why we’re angry.”

With just six months until the Olympic Games, the threat of strike action poses a significant challenge to the smooth execution of the event, emphasising the urgent need for resolution between the unions and the French government.