French workers stage mass strikes

HUNDREDS of thousands of strikers marched through French cities yesterday to demand pay rises and protection for jobs, challenging President Nicolas Sarkozy to do more for workers.

The streets filled with flag-waving protesters, but the one-day strike failed to paralyse the country and support from private sector workers appeared limited.

After dark, as Paris crowds thinned, some protesters clashed with police, throwing bottles, overturning cars and starting a fire in the street, but no major violence was reported.

Labour leaders hailed the strikes and rallies, which marked the first time France’s eight union federations had joined forces against the government since Sarkozy took office in 2007.

Unions said 2.5 million people took part in dozens of rallies across France, including 300,000 in Paris. Police put the figure at just over a million nationwide.

“The government has taken measures for banks but today it is the workers who are suffering,” said striker Charles Foulard, a technician at a refinery run by energy giant Total.

In a rare show of unity, the unions drew up a joint list of demands for government and employers, saying that Sarkozy should drop reforms they see as a threat to public services and aim stimulus measures at consumers rather than companies.

“I don’t think one can constantly zap and change policy,” said Budget Minister Eric Woerth.

“We have to keep our cool during this very major storm,” he told RMC radio. Sarkozy struck a conciliatory tone, saying people’s concerns were “legitimate”.

“This crisis imposes a duty on the public authorities to listen, to hold a dialogue, and at the same time a strong determination to act,” he said in a statement, adding that he would meet union leaders next month to discuss planned reforms.