France labour dispute: Paris protests descend into violence

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Source: BBC

Protests in Paris over a French labour reform bill have turned violent, with at least 40 people injured, including 29 police officers, and 58 arrests.

At least 75,000 demonstrators had convened in the capital as the upper house of parliament debated changes to employment laws.

One of the city's best-known attractions, the Eiffel Tower, was closed due to strike action by staff.

The labour reform makes it easier for employers to hire and fire workers.

It would also relax the limit on working hours. The bill has been approved by the National Assembly (lower house) and is now going through the Senate.

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Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36531345

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1. the interests of the employed and unemployed sometimes conflict nt

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2. Clashes in Paris as 'one million march' against labour reforms

http://www.euronews.com/2016/06/14/clashes-in-paris-as-one-million-march-against-labour-reforms

Clashes in Paris as ‘one million march’ against labour reforms
14/06 17:09 CET | updated xx mn ago | updated at 14/06 - 12:24

It is being hailed as the biggest show of strength yet against long-contested labour reforms in France.

A million protesters took to the streets of Paris on Tuesday according to trade unions – many thousands more nationwide – to say ‘no’ to planned changes that would make hiring and firing easier.

Refuse collectors and taxi drivers were among those taking strike action – not to mention the train drivers – and there was an unpleasant surprise for would-be visitors to the Eiffel Tower which was closed for the day as staff stopped work to join the protest.

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The chaos of strikes was matched by turmoil on the streets as clashes broke out on the sidelines of the Paris march. Riot police fired tear gas and used water cannon as items were thrown at them and windows smashed, with a number of arrests made and injuries on both sides.

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