Security guards plan strikes over working conditions ahead of Paris Olympics

Workers’ demands include wage increases and bonuses for night work and Sunday work. They also request the application of a specific decree for the 2024 Olympic Games concerning exceptions to weekly rest periods.

The application of this specific decree adds an extra burden that must be compensated, according to the union. There is concern that this measure will become permanent if employees are deemed efficient under these conditions. The health risk is significant as difficult conditions could lead to an increase in sick leave among workers.

Aurélie Flisar, Deputy General Secretary of the CFDT said: “The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are proclaimed as a socially and environmentally responsible event. This fundamentally requires consultation with all stakeholders, including unions. But as during Covid-19, essential workers like security guards are ignored despite their responsibility for ensuring the safety of thousands of athletes and 14 million visitors. Unfortunately, despite repeated requests, we have not been able to meet with the Minister of Labour, Catherine Vautrin, to express our concerns, and employer organizations remain deaf to our demands. This is why we have no choice but to call for a strike on June 28, 2024—a month before the Games. There is still time to resolve these issues.”

A government decree from November 2023 allows employers to have staff work for a month without a rest period. This means that security guards would work seven days a week during the Olympic Games, severely endangering their health and their ability to ensure safety due to long working hours in high temperatures. This decree contravenes international standards such as Article L3132-5 of European law and ILO Convention No. 106.

Additionally, there remains a shortage of 20,000 security professionals. Instead of improving working conditions to attract workers, the government announced it would call on retired security guards and reduce conventional training periods from 175 hours to 106 hours "to participate in private security activities during major events." Unions also fear that these exceptions will become standard practice beyond the Games.

The Games will take place in a highly tense political environment just weeks after legislative elections. Projections suggest that far-right leader Marine Le Pen could win a majority—potentially leading to demonstrations and confrontations in Paris streets. A well-rested and fully trained workforce is essential to ensure safety during this period.