French trade unions begin nationwide strike; call for higher wages

French trade unions called a nationwide strike on Tuesday, demanding higher salaries for workers as soaring inflation impacts their purchasing power.
According to the CGT trade union, 300,000 people participated in local demonstrations across the country, including 70,000 in Paris alone.
The CGT union has called for continued walkouts at petroleum company, TotalEnergies, despite the company reaching a deal with other unions last week for a 7% pay rise and a bonus.
CGT union head Philippe Martinez stated, “The question of wages is the French people’s number one priority. It’s more than urgent.” The CGT union is demanding a 10% pay rise.
In Paris, protestors clashed with local police and broke several shop windows. France’s interior ministry said 11 people had been arrested in the city by late evening.