In the midst of ongoing protests in high schools and cities across France, the Occitanie region and the Ales trade unions have organized an exhibition titled 1936 - 2026, the 90th anniversary of the Popular Front at the Labor Exchange. The event is being held to reflect on the historical significance of the Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing political parties that governed France in the 1930s. The exhibition is organized by the regional council, the CFDT (French Federation of Workers’ Unions), and the CGT (General Confederation of Labor), aiming to "keep what has been created, take responsibility for this heritage, and share it with all citizens," said Regional Councilor Aurélie Genolher. The organizers emphasize that the year 1936 represents hard-won rights, not temporary benefits. The exhibition, running from October 5 to 16, will be accompanied by a film exploring the interwar left-wing movement, women's right to vote, and Ambroise Croizat, who played a key role in establishing France's Social Security system. For the CGT, the event is also a reminder of the power of collective action by workers. Martine Sagit, general secretary of the local union, noted that "the union of workers makes us win," highlighting the parallels between the struggles of the 1930s and current challenges in public services. "When we see the state of public services today, we must continue to fight," she said, emphasizing that the movement seeks to avoid repeating past mistakes by learning from history. The CFDT, meanwhile, aims to use the event to raise awareness about the Labor Exchange, explain the significance of the Popular Front, and clarify its historical and social impact. According to the union, reducing the Popular Front to just paid leave and the 40-hour workweek would be a mistake. The legacy of 1936 has transformed the role of employees, enabling social protection, women's rights, and collective representation through social dialogue. The exhibition will travel to several cities, including Montpellier, Toulouse, Millau, and La Grand'Combe, ending shortly after the Charbon ardent festival. Key events during the exhibition include a conference on the history of the Popular Front on October 5, a debate on democracy and fascism on October 9, and a festive Guinguette event on October 16, featuring drinks and catering by the Solidarity Canteen. The exhibition will be open on various days with specific visiting hours, and school groups must reserve their spots in advance by emailing maisonregion.ales@laregion.fr.