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Workers and civil servants across France staged protests demanding salary increases on Sept. 29, with demonstrations occurring in more than 170 locations including Paris.
Trade unions called for a one-day strike, and employees from various sectors joined public servants in walking off the job to demand wage hikes.
The Paris demonstration began at Place de la Republique at 2 p.m. local time and concluded at Place de la Nation. Civil servants, healthcare workers, teachers and high school students participated, calling for salary increases and improved resources for schools and hospitals.
Protesters carrying signs reading "Raise our wages," "Tax the wealthy" and "Listen to youth concerns instead of attacking them" chanted anti-fascist and anti-capitalist slogans throughout the march.
According to France's Interior and Public Accounts Ministry, approximately 10% of civil servants nationwide participated in demonstrations during midday hours.
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) announced that more than 300,000 people participated in protests across France, with 70,000 in Paris alone.
Firefighters, who battled forest fires in extreme summer heat, organized a separate march through Paris on Tuesday. Thousands of firefighters began their procession at Place d'Italie and joined the broader demonstration at Place de la Bastille.
Protesters from various sectors welcomed the firefighters with cheers and applause. The firefighters called for additional resources and staffing to continue their duties effectively.
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