French trade unions have urged workers to escalate their protests against a labour market reform bill, amid blockades of oil refineries, power stations and transport.
“Continue and step up the actions,” eight unions said in a joint call.
President Francois Hollande said he would not back down, insisting, “I think these are good reforms.”
The unions’ statement comes a day after 77 protesters were arrested and 15 police officers were injured.
The wave of opposition is a major challenge for the Socialist government, which does not want to alienate many of its natural voters.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls has also said the reforms will not be withdrawn but has suggested they could be “modified”.
One of the most controversial elements of the reform is Article Two, giving employers the right to negotiate changes to staff working time. Mr Valls said the article would not be amended.
Long queues have formed at petrol stations because of fuel shortages, caused by the strikers’ blockades outside refineries.
Awkward timing
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan, President Hollande said “our primary duty… is to do everything to maintain the supply of fuel to the public and to continue to provide essential public services”.
The CGT union is leading the action, supported by other unions including Force Ouvriere and Unef, whereas the more moderate CFDT union backs the labour reforms.
France is due to host the Euro 2016 football championships next month.
However, on 14 June – when French senators begin discussing the reform package – the unions plan to stage a “powerful national demonstration” in Paris.
They said some 300,000 people took part in protest marches on Thursday, whereas the authorities put the total at 153,000.
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AFP
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An oil depot in Donges, western France, is among those that are blockaded
French labour reform bill – main points
- The 35-hour week remains in place, but as an average. Firms can negotiate with local trade unions on more or fewer hours from week to week, up to a maximum of 46 hours
- Firms are given greater freedom to reduce pay
- The law eases conditions for laying off workers, strongly regulated in France. It is hoped companies will take on more people if they know they can shed jobs in case of a downturn
- Employers given more leeway to negotiate holidays and special leave, such as maternity or for getting married. These are currently also heavily regulated
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AFP
Image caption
A protester confronted police with a torch and a bouquet of flowers in Lyon on Thursday
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AFP
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The violence marred an otherwise good-humoured protest in the eastern city
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AFP
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Clashes also erupted in Bordeaux in the south-west
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France unions urge strike escalation
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