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PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS

French union refuses ‘strike truce’ during Paris Olympics

French public sector workers will strike during the July-August Paris Olympics, the heavyweight CGT union federation said on Thursday, adding it would file formal strike notices next month.

French union refuses 'strike truce' during Paris Olympics
The CGT union has rejected calls for an Olympics 'truce'. Photo by AFP

However, the strikes will be focused on civil servants and social workers, so are unlikely to have much direct impact on people travelling to France for the Games.

“Our warnings must finally be heard,” CGT chief Sophie Binet told broadcaster Franceinfo, saying vital questions such as overtime work, lodging and childcare facilities had not been addressed.

The strike notice would cover people working in central and local government, as well as medical and social workers.

ANALYSIS Will there be strike disruption during the Paris Olympics?

“Hundreds of thousands of workers will be battered by the Games,” Binet said, including with overtime and restrictions on taking time off.

“We’re asking what will be the social conditions of this work, how will all the workers who have to come to the Paris region for the Olympics be housed?” she added.

“How will their children be taken care of when it’s the school holidays at the same time? What bonuses will they get? So far nothing has been sorted out on this side.”

The announcement follows a call last month for a “social truce” without strikes from Paris Olympics organising committee chief Tony Estanguet.

Instead, Binet on Sunday demanded a meeting with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to discuss the issue.

Only a few public sector workers have been told what support they will get during the Games, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin saying police working in the Paris region will get a bonus of up to €1,900.

Talks have started in other fields on compensating overtime and missed holidays, including for hospital and transport workers.

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PARIS OLYMPICS GUIDE

New platform to request QR security code for Paris Olympics goes live

Anyone who needs a QR code to get around certain areas of Paris during the Olympics and Paralympics can now request one after the platform opened to the public on Monday.

New platform to request QR security code for Paris Olympics goes live

During the period prior to the opening ceremony and throughout the Olympic Games, certain areas of Paris will be sectioned off into zones, with some of them requiring a QR code to enter.

The platform to request a QR code went live on Monday, May 13th.

The QR code (pass numérique) requirement will not concern everyone in Paris during the Games. To find out if you need a QR code and how the system will work, you can read our detailed explainer article.

How does it work?

If you need a QR code go to the website and follow the questions asked, including when you would need a QR code for. The current version is only focused on the Opening Ceremony, however.

The platform is available in English as well as in French.

You will be asked a series of questions and for corroborating documentation (ID, utility bill, rental confirmation, etc). These will include whether you need the QR code for yourself or for a vehicle. For those looking to access restricted areas on foot, you will need to state if you are a resident, worker, or visitor (meaning you are making a short trip to someone or some event within the restricted zone).

The ‘resident’ category includes ‘temporary residents’ (ie people staying with friends, in hotels, or in their secondary residence).

Screenshot: Pass Jeux

After you have completed the questions, authorities will verify your application and you will receive the QR code to enter and exit restricted zones. According to the Paris town hall website, this may not be available until just a few days before restrictions take effect.

As such, plan for processing delays and apply in advance of when you would need the QR code.

For people with difficulty accessing the internet, local authorities will offer an alternative, which will be more clear within the coming days.

READ ALSO: Who needs a QR code to get around Paris during the Olympics?

Do you have any questions about QR codes during the Olympic Games? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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