French Police Union Warns of Possible Disruptions to Olympics Torch Relay Over Bonuses Delay
The French police union has issued a warning regarding potential disruptions to the Olympics torch relay, just before the start of the Paris Games in July, unless officers receive promised bonuses.
The Alliance union expressed concern that special Olympics payments, which could amount to as much as €1,900 ($2,032) for police officers, were facing delays from the French prime minister’s office and the economy ministry. They indicated that a planned demonstration was scheduled for Thursday and hinted at further actions, including potential disruptions to the torch relay.
This warning underscores the challenge facing French authorities as they navigate negotiations regarding Olympics bonuses for public sector employees, who are being asked to work during the traditional summer holiday season. The CGT, the largest union representing civil service staff, has also announced a strike threat among its members throughout the Olympics period, starting on 26 July.
The torch relay is set to begin in Marseille on Wednesday 8 May, with the handover ceremony scheduled at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, on Friday, 26 April, at 17:30 CET.
Subsequently, the flame will spend the night at the French Embassy in Athens before embarking on a journey to France aboard the three-masted ship Belem.
The relay will traverse the country, including stops at overseas departments and regions like New Caledonia and French Polynesia, culminating in Paris for the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on 26 July.
Despite previous assurances of an “Olympic truce,” challenges persist as militant air traffic controllers and employees at the national mint, responsible for producing medals, have also declared strikes, citing concerns over bonuses and working conditions.
“I hope that we welcome the whole world in the best possible conditions and that we don’t ruin the party,” remarked chief Games organiser Tony Estanguet earlier this year, acknowledging the risk of potential disruptions in the strike-prone nation.
The upcoming Paris Olympics mark the first in a century and are scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August, followed by the Paralympics from 28 August to 8 September.
