Rubbish collection strike on March 12

BINMEN across France are planning to walk out on strike for an indefinite period starting on March 12.

Six unions representing éboueurs have called on members to stop collecting and treating rubbish from this date.

They say a 1% pay rise given in February is not enough and are also calling for improvements to their working conditions and an earlier retirement age.

Representatives from the CGT union said in a statement: "Our jobs are hard and dirty. The workload is constantly increasing while the retirement age is being pushed back later and later."

A local strike by binmen in Marseille last November saw 10,000 tonnes of rubbish pile up on the streets over a week.

City officials accused the strikers of "taking the city hostage" and causing a major public health risk.

March looks set to be a busy month for strikes.

Doctors are walking out 24 hours on March 11 and teachers on March 12 - the same day that the bin strike is due to begin. A big national strike across all sectors has been called for March 23.

Gautier Willaume - Fotolia.com