Strike resumes in France, rail workers set up street protests

Rail workers set up street protests across France on Thursday as they resumed their rolling strike against plans to revamp the national railway company SNCF. Rail unions notably called for a rally in Paris city center to “put pressure on the government” ahead of a key meeting with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe next week, AP reported. President Emmanuel Macron’s plans would revoke a special status that allows rail drivers to retain jobs and other benefits for life. The government says the changes are aimed at opening the train network to competition in the coming years. Air France crews and ground staff were on their 12th day of striking over pay, and around 15 percent of flights were canceled on Thursday. Both strikes will continue on Friday.