jeudi noir...or how to do things the French way....

I have to say, I was beginning to wonder when another strike would grace our presence given that the last one was a good month ago and this one sounds like a monster of a strike it has to be said, hence my friend Kris who is teaching in Paris referring to it as 'jeudi noir' as from the way he was talking about it, it sounds as though everything is literally going to come to a complete standstill! With it being national, I myself am somewhat wondering whether the same thing is going to happen in Pau as up to now I am aware that teachers and public transport workers are striking (hence me having to walk to work on Thursday at around 7am, not ideal but I don't have a choice!) but I wonder whether it is going to affect all sectors like in Paris...I'm sure I'll find out in due course!
In comparison to in England, I have to say that it is so strange to witness strikes and protests in France. At home people seem to be a lot more reserved and everyone complains amongst themselves but never do anything active or practical to solve whatever it is and make it better, whereas the French seem to be completely the opposite which in all honesty I applaud as they want people to know of their discontent and to make things better. Protests aren't that common either in England, although having said that there are numerous at uni from societies etc although I suppose that's just part of student life. I think it is tolerated more at uni than earlier in education because when I was at Secondary School, there were some students who wanted to go and join the protest against the war in Iraq in the town centre and we all got told if anybody went it would be classed as truancy and we would be excluded...I do see why, but at the same time is it denying someone their right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression? I don't know...
Students have never been on strike though, I don't think anyone would dream of it to be honest, I know I never have and even strikes in the workplace aren't overly common although when there is a pay-rise to be had or whatever people jump at the chance! The only people who can't strike in England are the Police as it is illegal, it hasn't stopped them doing once or twice, but it's all swings and roundabouts at the end of the day. No doubt Thursday will be eventful in one way or another! Wish me luck...