Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to take part in marches across France as five unions join strikes and protests in a national day of action. The protests began in September with high school students complaining about poor educational conditions and resources, but have spread to include the so-called “yellow vest” movement and workers. Authorities expect between 500,000 and 700,000 protesters to join the marches, and tens of thousands more in Paris alone, in one day. announced by a union leader as “a great day of convergence.” The five unions have combined forces in the public and private sectors, with demands for higher wages to combat the cost of living and protected public services. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said 70,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed, promising “an extremely firm response” to any possible outbreak of violence. More than 250 separate actions are planned for November 5, with some disruptions reported in schools, hospitals and public transport. Workers have also been asked to stop production at oil refineries, and France is expected to import more electricity than it produces on Thursday due to disruptions at nuclear plants. A coalition of unions has urged workers, pensioners and young people to join Thursday’s strike day to step up pressure on the government. In particular, they are seeking an increase in the minimum wage, or Smic, which is currently €12.31 (£10) an hour.
