Nationwide strike, demos held in France over job insecurity
Chris Den Hond
Press TV, Paris
French workers and trade unions have held nationwide demonstrations against the loss of jobs and more difficult working conditions due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Jobs and working conditions are much more in danger today than in normal times. That's why the main French trade unions called for a nationwide strike and demonstrations in order to defend jobs, salaries and working conditions. The COVID crisis is leading to an important loss of jobs and to an explosion of poverty. Trade union leaders call for a "social spring."
These workers of the big French multinational TOTAL are threatened with dismissal, despite financial support from the state. Other big companies in France, such as the pharmaceutical Sanofi, car constructors Renault and PSA and Airbus also benefit from important tax reductions and financial aid from the government. But that does not prevent them to fire workers.
France has not been able to produce its own vaccine unlike the US, Russia, China and even Cuba. A big disappointment for French people. Experts say it's due to the continuous privatization. Scientific research has been sacrificed for short-term profits.
According to the National Institute for Economic Studies (INSEE), the French Gross Domestic Product GDP went down with more than eight percent in 2020. Less than expected, but still a record since the Second World War. Unemployment increased with eight percent. Nevertheless, the main French companies are making more profits today than before the COVID-19 crisis. Profits for few, sacrifices for many.
It's difficult to organize workers during lockdowns and curfews. Fundamental liberties are put in danger with the COVID-19 crisis. Observers say a united front, as shown in France, is one of the means to go forward.
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