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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
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RFI

Labour Day sees clashes as French unions demand pay rise and bakery row continues

A man carries a mock petrol pump during the traditional Labour Day union march in Paris on 1 May 2026, as protesters called for higher wages and action on rising living costs. REUTERS - Benoit Tessier

Labour Day marches across France on Friday focused on wages, workers’ rights and the future of the 1 May public holiday, as unions pushed for higher pay, bakers and florists opened despite legal uncertainty and clashes broke out in Lyon and Nantes.

In Lyon, police fired tear gas after black bloc groups launched fireworks, mortars and other projectiles, while clashes in Nantes left a police officer with injuries to the face.

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