FRANCE
French police and striking Public Servants have clashed in Paris after unions, angered by President, Emmanuel Macron’s economic reforms, urged state employees to stop work and join nationwide street protests.
It is the third time unions have sought to stage a nationwide show of strength since Mr Macron began his five-year term in May 2017.
Television images showed riot police charging at protesters with batons in central Paris, firing stun grenades and tear gas.
Some protesters destroyed two shops and a bus stop, and police said 20 demonstrators were arrested.
About 15,000 people demonstrated in the capital, compared with 49,000 during a similar protest in March, authorities said.
The previous round of protests drew some 320,000 people into the streets.
Union officials admit the strike wave appeared to be losing steam, with more and more workers doubting they can force the Government to change course.
Postal workers, air traffic controllers, state teachers and public administration workers were urged to quit their posts and join marches to denounce what the unions say is an erosion of spending power and the Public Service itself under President Macron.
French electricity grid operator, RTE said the strike reduced nuclear electricity generation by 2 GW as several nuclear reactors operated by state-controlled utility, EDF were forced to cut production due to the strike.
A spokesperson for EDF said 15.5 per cent of the company’s staff participated in the strike.
One catalyst for union anger is a proposal to end certain sick leave perks and cut 120,000 Government administration posts.
Also on the cards is an increased recourse to contract hiring rather than the job-for-life recruitment that is standard in the French Public Service.
In all, France has about 5.7 million employees in Government administration, Agencies, schools and hospitals.
Paris, 23 May 2018
