Some media reported that the main reason of the strike is that the French controllers feel underpaid, as a comparison to the wages paid in other countries for similar hours and traffic loads.
To me it is not surprising that they are striking, since labour conditions at air traffic control seem to be deteriorating progressively and no one really wants to face it and discuss it, specially our employers. It is not just the salaries that are paid, but the hours, the shift patterns, and the poor condition of working facilities and equipment.