day of action

A nationwide day of action called by one of France's major cross-trades unions, the CGT, in support of pay rises and against President Emmanuel Macron's announced plan to raise the retirement age on full benefits from 62 to 65, drew a turnout of 250,000 marchers according to organisers, and around half of that total according to the interior ministry.

The now two-month long, union-led series of street protests and strikes against the French government's planned reform of the national pensions system saw another day of action with a march through Paris on Thursday, when  unions representing employees from the capital's transport network announced they would strike on February 17th during the draft legislation's passage through parliament.

The French interior ministry reported that around 70,000 supporters of the 'yellow vest' movement, launched in November against a new hike on fuel tax and which has since grown into a broad protest over falling standards of living for low- and middle-income earners, turned out ofor its 11th successive weekend of nationwide marches on Saturday, with several demonstrations in Paris including an evening rally at the Place de la République which was dispersed by police. 

A planned day of strike  action on March 22nd by public sector workers in protest at President Emmanuel Macron's plans to cut 120,000 jobs from the public payroll during his term in office will be joined by railworkers, one of the biggest trades unions, the CGT, announced on Friday.

Police unions call a national protest on Wednesday over accusations of their violent behaviour during recent demonstrations against labour law reforms.