French police protest amid partial salary victory
191 views · Published 25 December 2018 · 1:45 · Indexed 5 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(20 Dec 2018) France's frustrated police forces won a partial victory on Thursday after demanding improved working conditions and back overtime from a government fearful the officers it depends on more than ever would start protesting on the streets they've been protecting. An extremist attack last week in Strasbourg, more than five weeks of increasingly violent anti-government protests and the stepped-up demands of the Christmas holidays pushed officials to the negotiating table as saber-rattling unions made clear they were fed up. The unions called for a one-day work slowdown that was not observed at all police stations Wednesday, but the action managed to slow passenger check-ins at Paris' two main airports. Above all, it showed authorities that police officers - who aren't allowed to strike - have other ways to rebel. The Interior Ministry announced "real advances" Thursday from its two days of meetings with three leading police unions, notably an agreement on long-sought salary increases. The government also agreed to make good on decades of unpaid overtime pay totaling nearly 275 million euros (313 million US dollars.) In addition, the ministry promised a "plan for deep transformation of the national police" to address a smoldering malaise the unions say resulted from officers feeling overworked, under-equipped and disrespected. Talks on compensation and work hours - perhaps the toughest part - are planned for January. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/b822def759f9aee61242fcf7b857b973
