Les Grèves
The French believe in speaking out when they don't like something or want things to change. They're known for taking to the streets to show their disagreement on issues like work, education, or government decisions. This strong commitment to speaking up comes from their history of revolutions, like the French Revolution, and reflects their dedication to fairness and standing up for what they believe in. To protest is to be French, upholding the principles of liberté, égalité, fraternité.
Since we've been here, we've witnessed three protests firsthand. The first one occurred in October at Charlie's school. The canteen staff were striking, resulting in no lunch service. We received an email notifying us of the situation, stating that children could either bring lunch or be picked up. The reason for the protest wasn't specified, and it lasted only that day. Opting to pick up Charlie, we had a nice lunch with him at a nearby restaurant.
Right now, throughout France, farmers are demanding an end to rising fuel costs and simplified regulations. Last Friday, they began blocking key roads. On a day when we needed to get to Bayonne, the highway was blocked in both directions, on a bridge, with tractors and trucks. Their signs read "Macron on Lachera Pas" (Macron, we won't let go) and "Ici Resistance Agricole" (Here, agricultural resistance). There was even a dummy on the ground below the bridge, adding a dramatic touch. It ended up taking over an hour instead of the anticipated 20 minutes. We had to detour and navigate through surface streets to finally get there. I hope the government considers making some changes ASAP. On Sunday, environmental protesters threw soup at the glass-protected Mona Lisa at the Louvre, advocating for the right to "healthy and sustainable food." They stood in front of the painting, questioning the importance of art compared to the right to nutritious food. They emphasized concerns about the agricultural system, stating, "Your agricultural system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work." Quite a situation.
We just got an email from Luke's school about a strike scheduled for Thursday, February 1. The attached letter outlined the plan for the day, mentioning that students could attend classes taught by available teachers, and the catering service would operate. However, due to potential disruptions in school life, daily supervision might be affected, especially during student movements. The letter expressed appreciation for understanding. I'm unsure about the reasons for the strike, so we'll wait to decide if Luke will attend school that day.
It's been an experience to witness these strikes. Whether it's farmers on the highways, canteen staff at schools, or even throwing soup at famous artworks, the French sure know how to make a statement. Their approach to protest instigates change. They have a track record of voicing their concerns, and this collective action often prompts a response. In contrast, in the United States, despite a tradition of activism and protest, the outcomes may not always manifest in immediate changes at the same scale. I've noticed that in American culture, not everyone jumps on the protest bandwagon as readily as it seems to happen in France. Here, expressing dissatisfaction seems almost second nature, a regular part of life. It makes me wonder about the cultural nuances – why some Americans may hesitate to protest compared to the French who, well, make complaining look like an art form. So, I am curious how the government will respond to the farmers?!
Update Jan 31 = “France’s prime minister promised more aid for agriculture, but protesting farmers appeared unmoved by his efforts and blocked major roads around Paris for a second day.”
February 1st update: Mr. Zubieta announced that he's joining the strike today, meaning no school for Charlie's class. Curiosity led me to inquire, and according to Caroline, the teachers are rallying for more money. It turns out, teachers in France are working with one of the lowest incomes around. Time to recognize the importance of their work; after all, they're shaping the future through education. Pay the teachers what they deserve!
I did a quick Google dive into teacher salaries in France, and it looks like the average is around 34,800 EUR. But you know how it goes – those numbers can sway depending on factors like your education level, how long you've been in the game, and where in France you're teaching. Kind of feels like the teacher salary scene in the US – a lot depends on the specifics.
