Controversial French labour reforms cause transport chaos

A controversial bill that will make hiring and firing easier is wreaking havoc to public services in France, with multiple strikes hitting differing sectors.  

The Paris Metro is set to go on strike tomorrow, and six of France’s eight oil refineries are still halted or running at reduced capacity due to union action – the BBC reports.

Air France pilots have also agreed action for a minimum of six days in June over productivity targets and salary cuts. Air traffic controllers are also planning stoppages.

The bill - which was pushed through the lower house of French Parliament without a vote - will keep the 35-hour week in place, but only as an average, meaning that companies will now be able to enter talks with local trade unions and potentially increase the hours worked per week to 46.