France strikes as unions demand wage rises and answers

Five unions launch national strike

Five unions across public and private sectors launched a national day of strike action on Thursday, November fifth, joining high school students and cost-of-living protesters.

Over 250,000 take to streets

More than two hundred fifty thousand people had taken to the streets in almost seventy towns and cities by one pm on Thursday. Sophie Binet of the CGT union said that was just the start.

“just the start”

Unions demand higher wages

The five unions announced more than two hundred fifty separate actions demanding higher wages to combat the cost of living and protect public services.

CFDT leader wants net pay rise

Marylise Léon, head of the CFDT union, said it was not just the minimum wage that needed to increase. She complained that workers needed a net increase of one hundred euros a month.

“We are asking for a net increase of €100 a month.”

Widespread disruption across France

Disruption was reported in schools, hospitals and public transport. The Eiffel Tower and some exhibition rooms at the Louvre museum in Paris had to close. Oil refineries halted production.

Violence erupts in Lyon and Rennes

Some unrest was reported in Lyon and Rennes. A car was set alight near the Gallieni bridge over the Rhône river in central Lyon as radical left-wing black bloc members clashed with police.

Interior Minister deploys 70,000 police

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said seventy thousand police were being deployed, vowing an extremely firm response to any potential outbreaks of violence. He identified three potential risks on Thursday.

“an extremely firm response”

Yellow-vest movement calls for more action

A revived gilets jaunes movement that staged a revolt against high living costs years ago has called for further blockades and protests on Friday and Saturday too.