After Paris public transit agency, RATP, offered its workers a raise of less than one percent, France’s CGT-RATP union gave notice last Friday that strikes are possible from February 5 through September 9, 2024. This includes the dates of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics to be held this summer, The CGT-RATP represents Paris Metro, bus, tram and RER workers.
Police unions recently came to agreement with officials on overtime after reaching an impasse and the possibility of a strike was put on the table. Police from throughout France are being asked to work in Paris during the summer Olympics. Traditionally, August is the month France is on holiday. Paris—which is used to seeing 20 million visitors each year—is expecting 15 million visitors during the two weeks the games are being held from July 26- August 11.
In a letter to RATP General Manager Jean Castex, the union said the offer of pay raises of less than one percent was unacceptable and put the seven-month timeframe for possible strikes on the table. Government officials previously announced they plan to hike the price it will cost visitors to buy a single Metro ticket from €2.10 to €4 during the Olympics.
Note that it's not notice of a seven month long strike.
That caused massive panic and confusion when the letter was announced.
It is simply a letter saying that during the seven months strike action may occur. Which means the situation is normal, but panicked reactions online has been a massive publicity coup for the union leadership.