This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7951949.stm

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
New nationwide strike hits France New nationwide strike hits France
(10 minutes later)
Hundreds of thousands of French workers are expected to join the country's second nationwide strike in two months.Hundreds of thousands of French workers are expected to join the country's second nationwide strike in two months.
Unions are protesting against President Nicolas Sarkozy's economic policies. Unemployment has reached two million and is expected to rise further.Unions are protesting against President Nicolas Sarkozy's economic policies. Unemployment has reached two million and is expected to rise further.
Demonstrations are planned in about 200 towns and cities. Schools are to close and public transport faces disruption.Demonstrations are planned in about 200 towns and cities. Schools are to close and public transport faces disruption.
Organisers hope the protest may be bigger than one in January, when about a million people joined protests. Organisers hope the protest will be bigger than one in January, when more than a million people took part.
The unions are urging the government to do more to protect jobs and wages.The unions are urging the government to do more to protect jobs and wages.
Buses and trains were disrupted on Thursday morning but not as badly as on previous strike days, the BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris reports.
The Metro rail system in Paris is running normally, he says.
However, the disruption is set to increase as schools and public buildings stay closed for the day.
Beleaguered industriesBeleaguered industries
Three-quarters of French people support the strike, claiming the 2.4bn euros ($3.2bn; £2.3bn) offered by the government earlier this year is not enough. Recent polls show three-quarters of French people support the strike.
Protesters are also calling on the president to scrap his plans to cut public-sector jobs and to reverse tax cuts. President Sarkozy unveiled a package of proposals, including tax breaks and social benefits, after January's strike.
President Sarkozy says he understands the plight of the workers but there is little more his government can do. But protesters say the 2.4bn euros ($3.2bn; £2.3bn) deal is not enough.
Unemployment is likely to shoot up to 10% in the next 12 months with a further 350,000 lay offs expected by the end of this year. They want him to increase the minimum wage and scrap his plans to cut public-sector jobs.
President Sarkozy said on Wednesday that he "understands the concerns of the French people" but ruled out plans for further measures.
Unemployment is likely to shoot up to 10% in the next 12 months with a further 350,000 lay-offs expected by the end of this year.
Private-sector workers from the beleaguered car industry, oil and retail sectors will also be on the streets.Private-sector workers from the beleaguered car industry, oil and retail sectors will also be on the streets.
The BBC's Emma Jane Kirby in Paris says many people are angry that big companies like the oil giant Total is making staff redundant while simultaneously announcing record profits. Many people are angry that big companies like the oil giant Total is making staff redundant while simultaneously announcing record profits, the BBC's Emma Jane Kirby in Paris says.
Are you taking part in the French strike? Are you affected by the strike action? Tell us your experiences by using the form below.Are you taking part in the French strike? Are you affected by the strike action? Tell us your experiences by using the form below.
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or if you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or if you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Name
 Name