Clashes erupt as French go on with labor protests
Clashes broke out in France Saturday as tens of thousands of people joined demonstrations in several cities to protest against labor reforms by the government.
Police fired tear gas in the capital Paris and the western city of Rennes as people were out for the sixth consecutive day to urge the government to withdraw the labor reforms bill.
At least three police officers were injured in the clashes in Rennes, where between 1,700 and 4,000 people gathered near the city center for the protest. Several protesters were also hurt in the violence in other cities.
Reports suggested that protesters in Paris painted graffiti on walls and poured paint on the ATM machines to vent their anger. Similar protests were held in Strasbourg, Nice and Toulouse, where local sources said only 12,000 people took part in the demonstrations in the central city.
The nationwide demonstrations have dwindled since modifications were made by the government of President Francois Hollande to the labor bill. Hundreds of thousands of protesters were mobilized across France for mass protests on March 31. However, a similar call drew only 23,800 people on April 5, according to estimates by the French Interior Ministry.
On April 5, police in Paris reportedly arrested 130 people as thousands of workers as well as high school and college students joined a demonstration in the capital.
Unions have also held a nationwide strike to put pressure on the government to withdraw the reforms bill. They argue that the proposed reforms will hurt worker protections and make it easier for companies and businesses to hire and fire workers.
The parliament is due to vote on the controversial bill in late April or early May.
The government argues that the labor reforms will reduce the unemployment rate, but opponents say they target safeguards that protect employees.
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