Unions mull next protest moves

UNIONS are meeting today to discuss future strike action following protests on May Day.

Hundreds of thousands of people joined demonstrations to mark May Day across France – with the leaders of eight trade unions marching arm in arm to show a historic united front in the face of the economic crisis.

Police said 465,000 took part across the country, with organisers claiming 1.2million, but numbers were down on previous protests this year: although higher than last May 1.

Union officials said there were 120,000 on the Paris demonstration; down from the 350,000 during protests on March 19.

Many commentators said the May Day turnout had been poorer than expected in the light of the economic crisis.

More than 280 demonstrations were organised across the country, protesting about soaring unemployment and factory closures, executive pay scandals, President Sarkozy’s economic policies and education reforms.

Workers from lay-offs from major companies led the marches in several cities such as staff from American auto part suppliers Molex and Freescale in Toulouse, Continental tyre staff in Compiègne and Caterpillar workers in Grenoble.

Employment minister Brice Hortefeux said there were no plans for talks with the unions until summer with Sarkozy’s adviser Raymond Soubie saying “between now and the end of June”.

The protests in France were peaceful but across Europe there was violence with clashes in Germany, Greece and Turkey.

Photo: Tendencies