French rail workers go on strike in labour dispute
François Hollande says measures making it easier to hire and fire employees will not be withdrawn
Tuesday 31 May 2016 07.19 EDT
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/french-rail-workers-strike-labour-dispute?CMP=twt_b-gdnnewsStriking railway workers are set to disrupt transport throughout France 11 days before Euro 2016, as François Hollande refuses to back down over a labour dispute that has sparked months of protests.
The strike called by the CGT union is expected to affect around half of national and regional train services. It adds to problems still being caused by last week’s blockade of fuel depots, which left motorists queuing at many petrol stations.
A strike on the Paris Metro network is planned to begin on Thursday, and Air France pilots have voted in principle for a lengthy strike at some point in June, when Euro 2016 will be in full swing.
Neighbouring Belgium also faced growing disruption on Tuesday from a public sector workers’ strike.
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