Unions call for education demos

Education and student unions have called on members to gather in Paris on October 19 to demonstrate against school reforms.

The march in the capital will be in addition to a 'day of action' set for September 11.

Union leaders have said that interpretation of 'action' on September 11 will be decided at local level and could include strikes.

The march, which takes place on a Sunday, will not immediately affect schooling.

The president of the Union nationale lycéenne (UNL) Florian Lecoultre said he expected "massive participation of students".

At the focus of union anger is the government decision to not renew 11,200 staff at the start of this school year - a further 13,500 jobs will not be renewed in 2009.

The government says reduced teaching hours and more flexibile working will mean the losses will not affect standards of education or workload.

Photo: Afp/Frank Perry