Police in France are holding a “Black Thursday” of work stoppages and demonstrations to demand better pay and conditions during this summer’s Olympic Games.
Several police unions, led by the two largest, Alliance and Unsa Police, said there should be bonuses of up to €2,000 (£1,720) as well as guarantees of holiday leave and childcare support for police this summer.
The move came after one union received details from the interior ministry suggesting that every police officer in France would be mobilised during the two weeks of the Olympics, from 24 July to 11 August, and not be allowed to take holiday in that period.
French police would be allowed a total of 10 days’ holiday leave between 15 June and 15 September, but must otherwise be on duty. Many regional police expect to be relocated to Paris for the Games and want assurances on housing and working hours.
Police officers on duty on Wednesday night began mobilising outside some stations. Unions have called for “minimum activity” on Thursday – responding to calls, including emergencies, but not going out on standard patrols.
Credit: theguardian.com
