France’s public workers strike affects schools, hospitals

Carrier Air France says it expects to run all long-haul fights to and from Paris airports, but to cancel about 25 per cent of domestic flights due to a walkout by some traffic controllers. (ShutterStock photo)

PARIS — A strike by French public sector workers is affecting schools, hospitals and public services and causing disruptions in domestic air traffic.

Nine public sector unions have called for nationwide industrial action Tuesday to protest against what they say is a deterioration in work conditions.

The unions are angry at a plan to tighten rules for sick leave, freeze salaries and decrease the number of public sector employees in the next five years.

Carrier Air France says it expects to run all long-haul flights to and from Paris airports, but to cancel about 25 per cent of domestic flights due to a walkout by some traffic controllers.

Railway traffic was expected to be close to normal.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed changes to labour laws have prompted street protests in recent weeks.