France: Police fire tear gas in Rennes as thousands protest labour reform

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across France on 9 April, in demonstration against the French governmentâ€™s controversial labour reform bill. The reforms, which would put almost all aspects of the countrys strictly codified labour relations up for negotiation between employers and unions, have infuriated the unions, who say they unduly threaten job security.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across France on 9 April, in demonstration against the French governments controversial labour reform bill. The reforms, which would put almost all aspects of the countrys strictly codified labour relations up for negotiation between employers and unions, have infuriated the unions, who say they unduly threaten job security.

Organised by labour unions and youth organisations, large demonstrations were observed in Toulouse, Montpellier and Rennes. In Rennes, tear gas was used by police as protests turned violent, according to reports. Footage shows protesters running for cover as tear gas canisters are thrown at them. Some protesters attempted to throw them back at police while covering their faces.

According to unions, around 1.2 million people turned out to protest across the country on 31 March, with 160,000 people protesting in Paris.