1.
GTV MASS DEMONSTRATION THROUGH STREET WITH BANNERS (2 SHOTS)
0.14

2.
GV DEMONSTRATORS WITH EDUCATION FEDERATION BANNER.
0.22

3.
SV DEMONSTRATORS MARCHING (2 SHOTS)
0.33

4.
LV MINISTRY OF FINANCE BUILDING.
0.35

5.
GV DEMONSTRATORS ARRIVING AT MINISTRY AND DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE. (2 SHOTS)
0.51



Initials PS/11.10 TA/AW/CO/13.17



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: IN PARIS, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FRENCH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MARCHED THROUGH THE STREETS TO THE FINANCE MINISTRY ON TUESDAY EVENING (MARCH 30).

THE DEMONSTRATORS WERE PROTESTING AT THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST PAY OFFER AND ARE DEMANDING A RESUMPTION OF PAY TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE AN INCREASE ON ITS 7.5 PER CENT OVERALL PAY OFFER.

SYNOPSIS: IN PARIS ON TUESDAY EVENING, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FRENCH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MARCHED THROUGH THE CITY STREETS TO DEMONSTRATE AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT'S LATEST PAY INCREASE OFFER.

THE DEMONSTRATORS INCLUDED TEACHERS, NURSES, POLICE AND SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICERS. NUMBERED AT MORE THAN EIGHTY THOUSAND BY THEIR UNION ORGANISER THEY STREAMED DOWN THE ELEGANT RUE DE RIVOLI, CARRYING BANNERS AND CHANTING ANTI-GOVERNMENT SLOGANS AND SONGS.

AT THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE BUILDING, THE DEMONSTRATORS GATHERED TO DEMAND A RESUMPTION OF PAY TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE AN INCREASE ON THE LATEST OFFER. THE CIVIL SERVANTS CLAIM THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S OFFER OF A 7.5 PER CENT OVERALL RISE IS NOT ENOUGH.