Creche workers on strike again
Childcare facilities in about 30 towns and cities will be closed today - and doctors are on strike as well
CRECHES in 30 towns and cities will be closed today as workers hold their second strike in less than a month.
They join GPs and public transport workers in some areas who are also on strike today.
Four unions - CGT, CFDT, Unsa and FSU - are taking part in the industrial action. They are protesting against a big government reform of municipal creches which would increase the maximum number of children per adult by 50% - from eight to 12.
The legal minimum of fully qualified staff required in each centre would drop from 50% to 40%. The reform also allows every centre to exceed the number of authorised places by between 10% and 20% to cope with demand - meaning a 60-capacity creche could take up to 72 children.
The government says the reforms are necessary to "respond to families' needs". Its research suggests that at least another 300,000 creche places are needed to cope with demand.
CFDT representative Eliane Forestier said today's walkout would be bigger than the last one on February 17, with creches in 30 towns and cities closed entirely. Demonstrations are due to held around the country.
Charly - Fotolia.com
