Air France staff went on strike today for the third time in a month, forcing the airline to cancel a quarter of flights. Lawyers were also set to strike nationwide Friday against reforms that they say will over-centralise France's court system. Staff at state rail operator SNCF will begin three months of rolling strikes next week.
Eleven trade unions have already staged two strikes on February 22 and March 23 seeking a six per cent salary hike, with two more planned on April 3 and April 7.
Unions argue the airline should share the wealth with its staff after strong results last year, but management insists they cannot offer higher salaries without jeopardising growth in an intensely competitive sector.
An Air France spokesman said the airline is running 76 per cent of planned flights today, including 80 per cent of long-haul departures.
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LANGUAGE BULLETINS 
