Protest disrupts trains and schools

SCHOOLS and public transport in some parts of France could be disrupted today because of a strike by four French trade unions.

Force Ouvière, the CGT, Solidaires and teachers' union FSU are planning demonstrations in several cities including Paris to call for better working conditions and to protest against what they describe as French "austerity measures".

The SNCF says the effect on long-distance rail travel will not be noticeable, but some local TER services might be hit, in about a third of French regions.

In Marseille and Nice there is disruption to public transport - and Marseille residents are being asked not to put their bins out because rubbish collectors are also striking.

Some schools will be operating a minimum level of service, and there could also be disruption to school transport and canteens as well as at some hospitals.

The French government this week announced that public debt was set to rise and there was no sign of a fall in unemployment until at least 2016.

A provisional budget due to be sent to Brussels for approval by the end of this month suggests debt will hit 96.3% of France's GDP this year and 97% next year. The country's budget deficit is predicted at 3.8% this year and 3.3% in 2016. Inflation will be zero this year and an estimated 1% next year.