Dozens Arrested As France Labour Protest Turns Violent

Paris: Protesters in France have clashed with police against a divisive labour reform bill that they say is too “pro-business” and makes it easier for companies to fire staff.

At least 40 people were injured and 73 arrested on Tuesday as some 75,000 demonstrators amassed in Paris in the latest round of protests against the controversial reforms. According to police, 29 members of the security forces were among the 40 injured.

Hundreds of masked protesters hurled objects at police and stormed a building site in the capital.

Sparking months of street protests and widespread opposition, the bill, which was pushed through last month retains France’s cherished 35-hour working week but allows companies to organize alternative working times. Those include a working week of up to 48 hours and 12-hour days for temporary periods. In “exceptional circumstances”, employees could work up to 60 hours a week.

Strikes on Tuesday also closed the Eiffel Tower and disrupted transport links as tens of thousands of fans continue to pour into the country for the Euro 2016 football event.

The protest was rambunctious but peaceful and only flared when demonstrators arrived in the area of Les Invalides. “When police brought in water cannon trucks and fired tear gas to disperse the crowds – that’s when the clashes intensfied,” our correspondent said.

The strike is the latest in months of industrial action that has seen air and rail transport severely disrupted, fuel shortages and rubbish piled up on the streets of Paris. Protests against the reform started on March 9, culminating in massive demonstrations on March 31 that brought nearly 400,000 people on to the streets.

France’s Senate started debating the reforms on Monday, which are aimed at making the job market more flexible and reducing high unemployment — but critics see the reforms as too pro-business.