En Grève

Today, during class, I found out the transportation services of Paris (the RATP) will be having a general strike on the 18th. What does that mean?

As far as I can tell, I won't be able to take the metro (which is bad, considering I live 30 minutes away from my classroom building), I won't be able to take a bus (even if they are running, they will be completely impossible, with all the other commuters), and taxis are trop cher, and will most likely be impossible. So.

I guess I'll figure out a way to rent a bike, or just leave suuuper early and plan on walking across most of the city. We'll see.

It just strikes me as bizarre that these organizations would go to the trouble of announcing a strike nearly a month in advance (I think the press release was issued the 28th of September), and not just try to work something out between then and now. Or else just, uh, strike right away.

It is kind of considerate, to give us all some notice.

Thanks?