One bad turnout deserves another

UNIONS have called for a fifth 'day of action' to protest the government's handling of the economic crisis following poor turnout at yesterday's protests.

France's eight main unions have called for a new day of protest on June 13, claiming one million people took part in demonstrations yesterday - a figure strongly contested by police and one still down on turnout at previous national demonstrations this year.

The different counts include marches in in Toulouse which attracted 7,500-9,000 depending on sources, Marseilles (2,400-15,000) and Paris where numbers were significantly down on previous protests.

According to the SNCF the strike hit 75% of TGV services, 50% of Transiliens and 50% of TER trains.

Managers claim 19.8% of staff took part in the strike, the CGT union says 26%.

The Ministry of Education says between 1.3%-3.08% took part - well below the threshold for implementing minimum services plans.