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Striking French Workers Defy Sarkozy

Nationwide strike cripples transport, shuts schools

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 19, 2009 9:44 AM CDT
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(Newser) – France is in the grip of the second nationwide strike in 2 months today as unions protest the Sarkozy administration's economic policies, reports AFP. Air and rail transport has been disrupted, and half of primary school teachers have not come into work. The strikers are demanding a higher minimum wage, more progressive taxation, and an end to plans to cut the public sector.

Last month, following a similar protest, the president agreed to a $3.5 billion benefits package, but this time Sarkozy is standing firm. His government has ruled out any new social spending and say it will not bow to pressure to throw out an income tax cap the  demonstrators call a gift to the wealthy. A poll found that 78% of French people thought today's strikes were justified.

A new wave of nationwide strikes by angry workers demanding that French President's Nicolas Sarkozy do more to fight the economic crisis hit France on Thursday.
A new wave of nationwide strikes by angry workers demanding that French President's Nicolas Sarkozy do more to fight the economic crisis hit France on Thursday.   (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
Continental employees burn tyres during a demonstration in Compiegne, north of Paris, Thursday March 19, 2009.
Continental employees burn tyres during a demonstration in Compiegne, north of Paris, Thursday March 19, 2009.   (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
A commuter walks with his bike along a train as rail traffic was disrupted throughout France, Thursday, March 19, 2009, in Paris.
A commuter walks with his bike along a train as rail traffic was disrupted throughout France, Thursday, March 19, 2009, in Paris.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Demonstrators hold a placard reading Honor, respect and equality for overseas people in Paris, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009. A much larger strike is taking place today.
Demonstrators hold a placard reading "Honor, respect and equality for overseas people" in Paris, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009. A much larger strike is taking place today.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
People demonstrate during a protest march in downtown Paris, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. A second strike taking place today is targeting Nicolas Sarkozy's economic program.
People demonstrate during a protest march in downtown Paris, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. A second strike taking place today is targeting Nicolas Sarkozy's economic program.   (AP Photo / Thibault Camus)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Vostok
Mar 19, 2009 7:39 AM CDT
This should be a America; a unified working class opposing a government that serves the interests of the rich. For decades they've weakened our unions and convinced our people that justice is the antithesis for Liberty and sound judgement. It is a shame the American people have bought this line hook, line, and sinker.
BackAgain
Mar 19, 2009 5:38 AM CDT
Sign of things to come. Can't wait.

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Nicolas Sarkozy • France • minimum wage • strike • labor strike

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