Canal+ strike for second time ever

STAFF at French TV broadcaster Canal+ have announced plans for a one-day strike - only the second walkout in the channel's 30-year history.

All but one trade union representing workers is backing the industrial action for March 5, to protest about employee burn-out.

They say working conditions are deteriorating and staff numbers diminishing, which is putting extra pressure on those left.

Unions say Canal+ is facing difficult economic times, with increased competition from the likes of beIN Sports. A round of redundancies has recently been carried out.

The strike will affect programmes on Canal+ as well as sister channels D8 and D17. The broadcaster has 3,500 staff - who last went on strike back in 2003.