French rail, public sector workers strike on job cut

French rail, public sector workers strike on job cuts
WATCH VIDEO
Source: CCTV.com | 06-11-2008 08:54
http://www.cctv.com/video/worldwidewatch/2008/06/worldwidewatch_300_20080611_...
In France, thousands of public sector workers took to the streets of Paris to protest against planned jobs cuts. Meanwhile workers across Belgium are demonstrating over the high cost of living.

Protestor turnout in Paris was low compared to recent demonstrations that have drawn many thousands.

Only three out of eight rail unions joined in Tuesday's strike. They are protesting against the closing of cargo shipping services that will result in more job losses.

The civil servants are protesting against French President Nicolas Sarkozy's bid to reform the public service by not hiring new employees to replace those who have retired.

Gerard Aschieri, General Secretary, FSU Labor Union, said, "We have two main demands: we are against the job cuts and the general revision of state policies which leads to the dismantling of some public services or at least reduces their efficiency. Secondly, we oppose the current policies, which under the excuse of mobility, makes way for changes in the civil servants' status which will make it easier to redeploy civil servants and reduce jobs."

Meanwhile workers across Belgium are protesting against rising food and fuel prices. Their main concern is the imbalance between salaries and the rising cost of living.

Catherine Cariemont, clothes stall holder, said, "Yes, I think it's affecting everyone and is making life more and more difficult for everyone, be it people who work, be it people who are self employed, it affects everyone. Everything's becoming more and more difficult: to eat, to heat one's home, to drive because petrol is so expensive. Everything, everything."

With further protests planned for the end of the week, it remains to be seen whether the government is able to do anything about the rising cost of living.




Editor:Du Xiaodan

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• France
• strike

[gralkses]

THEY TOOK THIER JOBS!!