All ten trade union organizations under the umbrella of France Travail have announced plans for a strike and demonstrations on September 29 as part of a broader public sector action day. This marks the first time since 2018 that all ten unions have united in calling for such mobilization, according to representatives who spoke during a press conference on September 24. The unions are using this opportunity to push for a salary increase, as they oppose the government's plan to freeze the index point for civil servants—essentially locking in their pay—again in 2027. The unions are also seeking to draw attention to the effects of austerity measures on the public employment service. They argue that these policies have led to a growing burden on the system, with unemployment reaching 8.3% of the active population in the second quarter of 2026. The unions have criticized the ongoing reorganization of France Travail, which was established in January 2024. These changes, they say, have reduced the roles and responsibilities of staff while worsening working conditions. At the same time, users of the service—job seekers and others relying on employment support—face increasing pressure, particularly through stricter employment search controls. France Travail has been a focal point of controversy since its creation, as it was formed by merging several public employment services into a single entity. The unions claim that the new structure has not improved efficiency but has instead created confusion and cut essential services. They also expressed concern over proposed budget cuts for 2027, which would see the Ministry of Labor request 2.5 billion euros in savings. These cuts, they argue, would further weaken the already strained public employment system and undermine efforts to support job seekers. The planned strike and demonstrations are part of a larger effort to pressure the government to reverse its austerity policies and prioritize public sector workers' needs. With unemployment rising and public services under strain, the unions are hoping to rally public support and force policymakers to reconsider their approach to funding and employment services.