OF MOUNTAINS AND MICE: THE FRENCH STRIKES OF 1995
In: Dissent: a journal devoted to radical ideas and the values of socialism and democracy, Volume 43, Issue 1, p. 17-19
ISSN: 0012-3846
IN LATE 1995 THE WORKERS OF FRANCE'S PUBLIC SECTOR OCCUPIED CENTER STAGE CALLING A STRIKE AND BRINGING FRENCH TRANSPORTATION TO A HALT. THE STRIKE, WHICH ALSO AFFECTED MAIL AND ELECTRICITY, FORCED PRIME MINISTER ALAIN JUPPE TO CALL FOR A "SOCIAL SUMMIT" TO DEAL WITH THE GRIEVANCES. MANY OBERVERS SAW THESE STRIKES AS A REPEAT OF MAY 1968. BUT, THE AUTHOR CLAIMS THAT SUCH NOSTALGIC EXAGGERATIONS SHOULD BE AVOIDED. IN ADDITION TO OTHER ASPECTS, THE STRIKES OF 1995 FEATURED A VERY NARROW SET OF ISSUES WHEN COMPARED TO THOSE BROAD-GAUGED ATTACKS ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF CAPITALIST SOCIETY.