Conflits sociaux

   This is the expression used to describe industrial unrest, or tensions between employers and employees in the workplace. Generally speaking, les conflits sociaux include all kinds of industrial unrest, in particular strikes (les grèves), working-to-rule (grève du zèle), or go-slows (grève perlée). France does not have a permanent Arbitration and Conciliation service, but in the event of a major stoppage, a médiateur can be appointed to try and find a solution to the conflict. France has a reputation of being a country of strikers, but this is not really the case. Conflits sociaux are relatively unusual in the private sector, but do tend to be more common in a number of high-profile public-sector areas, such as the state education system, and the SNCF, where they can have a massive impact on everyday life.

   French trade unions (Syndicats), notably the CGT and SUD, tend to be rather quicker on the draw when it comes to calling strikes, than their counterparts in other parts of Europe, but negotiation is increasingly seen as a better solution than resorting to strike action.