About 1500 times a year Parisian citizens protest and demand improvements to living and working conditions. Although French demonstrations (manifestation) generally are not aggressive, the official permission of the police prefecture is necessary before they can be held. Generally workers of airports and airlines, transport services and teachers strike the most frequently.

Staff from RFI and the audio-visual trade unions on strike in Paris on 29 January 2009

When the metro is closed during a strike you can take a city bus for free. If the buses also stop work, some Parisian drivers (not taxi drivers though) will kindly give you a lift.

The most noticeable problem for the city is when the rubbish collectors and street sweepers strike. The next day you will see mountains of trash, dust and pieces of newspaper blowing around and the sidewalks are covered with cigarette stubs, candy wrappers and litter.