Christmas shoppers face cash shortage

CASH machines across France could run out of money in the peak shopping days before Christmas due to a planned strike.

Six trade unions representing dabistes - security workers who are responsible for refilling the machines - are planning to stop work for an indefinite period from December 21.

They say the €100 bonus they get as compensation for the safety risks that come with the job has not risen in three years.

A spokeswoman for the Force Ouvrière union told Europe 1 that cash machine workers were coming under attack more than ever before.

A final meeting between unions and management on December 17 will decide whether the strike will go ahead.

Christmas shoppers are also facing disruption from a lorry drivers' strike. Some deliveries to supermarkets and hypermarkets could be stopped, preventing food and gifts getting on to the shelves in time.