1968 General Strike

How the May 1968 General Strike Shook France’s Economy

The 1968 General Strike stands as a watershed moment in French history, a time when the unity of workers, students, and labor unions nearly brought the nation to its knees. This unprecedented movement not only disrupted France’s economy but also left an indelible mark on its political and social fabric. It underscored the immense power of collective action, particularly that of labor unions and factory workers, in challenging the established order.

The Prelude to Revolution: Social and Economic Discontent

The seeds of the 1968 General Strike were sown in a climate of widespread dissatisfaction. By the late 1960s, France was grappling with economic stagnation and social inequalities. Workers faced long hours, poor working conditions, and wages that barely kept up with the cost of living. Meanwhile, students decried outdated educational systems and an authoritarian government that seemed deaf to the needs of its people.

Labor unions, a cornerstone of worker representation, had long championed reforms, but their demands were met with resistance from employers and the government. By early May, simmering frustrations exploded when student protests over university reforms escalated into violent clashes with police. This confrontation galvanized workers, who saw in the students’ struggle a reflection of their own grievances.

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Labor Unions: The Catalysts of Collective Action

The role of labor unions in the 1968 General Strike was pivotal. Major unions like the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) and the Force Ouvrière (FO) quickly recognized the momentum of the student protests and called for solidarity. They organized mass strikes and demonstrations, advocating not only for workers’ rights but also for broader societal changes. The unions coordinated a nationwide effort, ensuring that the strike spread rapidly across industries. Factories, transportation systems, and even media outlets shut down as millions of workers walked out in protest. Their demands were clear: higher wages, better working conditions, and more democratic workplace practices. These demands, however, were not merely economic—they carried a deeper desire for social justice and equality.

The Role of Factory Workers in Grounding the Movement

Factory workers were the backbone of the 1968 General Strike, showcasing the power of organized labor. Across the nation, industrial workers occupied factories, halting production and demonstrating their indispensability to the French economy. The Renault factory in Billancourt became a symbol of the movement as workers transformed it into a hub of resistance.

These occupations were more than economic statements; they were acts of defiance against a system that undervalued their contributions. By physically seizing control of production sites, workers highlighted the dependency of the economy on their labor and called for a redistribution of power within the workplace. The participation of factory workers also served to unify diverse social groups. Students, intellectuals, and middle-class professionals joined workers in their protests, bridging the gap between different sections of society. This solidarity was a testament to the shared aspiration for a more equitable France.

Economic Consequences of the General Strike

The 1968 General Strike brought the French economy to a standstill, causing widespread disruption. Essential services, including transportation, banking, and postal services, were paralyzed. Factories shut down production lines, leading to shortages of goods and significant financial losses for businesses.

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The economic impact was severe, with the government estimating that the strike cost the nation billions of francs. Yet, this disruption forced the government to take the demands of workers seriously. In late May, representatives from labor unions, employers, and the government met to negotiate what became known as the Grenelle Accords. These agreements resulted in substantial concessions, including a 35% increase in the minimum wage, improved labor protections, and greater workplace representation. While the agreements marked a temporary resolution, they also exposed deeper fractures within French society. The strike revealed the vulnerability of the economy to unified worker action and underscored the need for structural reforms to address inequalities.

Legacy of the 1968 General Strike

The 1968 General Strike left a lasting legacy in France and beyond. It demonstrated the power of collective action to challenge entrenched systems and demand change. Labor unions emerged from the movement with renewed vigor, proving their ability to unite diverse groups and influence national policies.

Politically, the strike contributed to a period of introspection and reform. President Charles de Gaulle, initially resistant to the protests, dissolved the National Assembly and called for new elections in an attempt to restore order. Although his government survived, the events of May 1968 signaled a shift in French society, fostering greater political engagement and awareness of workers’ rights. Culturally, the movement inspired generations of activists and scholars. It became a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism and a blueprint for future labor movements worldwide. The solidarity between workers and students during the strike highlighted the potential of cross-class alliances in pursuing social justice.


The 1968 General Strike was more than an economic disruption; it was a call for a fairer society. It underscored the critical role of labor unions and factory workers in advocating for justice and equality, showing that when workers unite, they can reshape not just economies but also the very fabric of their nations.

How the May 1968 General Strike Shook France's Economy

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