France: Workers step up protests against new measures

Issue 

Truck drivers blocked major roads across France on May 17 while angry workers and students marched through city streets. Demonstrators were protesting against the longer working hours and reduced overtime payments ordered by President Francois Hollande's government.

The president insists that he would not abandon the austerity cuts that, along with anti-union measures, have sparked mass discontent.

The country is facing a tense week of rolling strikes and other union action against the measures, which have met fierce resistance in parliament and in the streets.

The drivers, fearful of losing a huge €1000 to €1500 from their annual income because of lower overtime payments, blocked roads around Marseille and the western cities of Nantes and Le Mans.

Marseille union leader Laurent Casanova said the goal was “to paralyse traffic … and block the economy”. Hollande declared he would “not back down”, saying the new law is necessary to boost employment and investment.

A crowd of protesters followed him to a pharmaceutical laboratory he was visiting, demanding that the new legislation be abandoned.

There were also large and peaceful protests in Lyon and Nantes organised by trade unions and left-wing parties.

[Abridged from Morning Star.]

Like the article? Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.