Labor strikes in Paris

Unions usually don't announce potential strikes far in advanced, so it's difficult to make long-range plans around them. If you can read French, this website may help (there's no English version):

http://www.cgt.fr/

Another option is simply to monitor French news organizations. Here's a website in English:

http://www.france24.com/en/

It's like the Spanish Inquisition - Surprise is our one main weapon! (Any Monty Python fans out there?)

I totally don't understand the Spanish Inquistion comparison...I know that strikes in France are "made fun of" as part of daily life...and yes, though not appreciated by all or everyone the TV, radio, etc does announce several days in advance...for example, the Meteo said Thursday was going to be good weather, so i thought to go into the city for an art expo..BUT..Monday said maybe no trains..so unfortunately for me i have the pleasure of cooking lunch for my husband who decide to skip the traffic jams and lack of trains...Anyhow...Just book your flight to Paris and if there's a strike...c'est comme ca....Bisous ...

Regina, you'd have to be familiar with the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" to understand Brad's remarks. It has nothing to do with the real Spanish Inquisition.

To be a real stinker, I would point out that the quote comes from the TV show, Monty Python's Flying Circus... and yes, it has about as much relation to the actual Spanish Inquisition as the Davinci Code has to actual history.

Tom...you are 100% correct. It was from the TV show, not the movie. (I'm operating on 3 hours of sleep so I'll blame that.)

Can't write more...off to feed the parrot. Now if I could only get it off the comfy chair.

(I think the reason I wrote "Holy Grail" was because at the time I was thinking of the French taunting scene from the movie as the subject here was Labor Strikes in Paris. )

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise....
Our two weapons are fear and surprise... and ruthless efficiency....

I read this on Rick Steve's news events. Before your departure, you can stay on top of the news by setting up a Google news alert. Enter the search terms "Paris" "strike" and whatever month you're traveling ("June 2009" for example). You'll receive an email alert if any potential upcoming strikes are being discussed in the media. This may have been mentioned but check the RATP website.
You can also plan to use Metro lines 1 and 14 these are automated and will continue to run (albeit with serious crowding) during any greve.