French Workers Strike over EconomyThey were determined to get themselves noticed and they certainly succeeded. 85,000 workers took to the streets of Paris in protest at the government's handling of the current financial crisis. Many of them were also on strike. [Sylvie Daenenck, Demonstrator]: "The future isn't good. Every day in the newspapers you see people being sacked at Clairoix, being sacked at Dijon. We have to do something for the good of the nation." This wasn't the only demonstration. Another 200 protests were staged across the country. And the strike effected transport, energy and government services. One union leader said workers had had enough. [Bernard Thibault, CGT Union Leader]: "More and more workers are starting to feel that we're not the ones who are responsible for this crisis, we are the victims, with job losses, wage reductions and pressure on working conditions. We are asking the government and the industry bosses to review the acts and decisions which they have been making over the years." Polls show that three quarters of French people support the action. And many are disillusioned with President Nicolas Sarkozy's reform pledges. [Noel Kouici, Unionist]: "Of course we are angry with the government when you see the way they serve the banks and leave its people starving and losing their jobs. Of course we have a grudge against the government." With a large public sector workforce and a generous welfare system France is better placed than many to ride out the economic storm. But it's feared one in ten people may soon be out of work in France and the economy could contract by two per cent. These demonstrations won't help — but they do make sure discontent doesn't go unnoticed. code pour embarquer la vidéo : >>> http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gz1Bgo-U-fM <<< |