Rail services across France were thrown into chaos yesterday as public sector workers walked out in protest against planned job cuts.
Half of France's passenger trains were cancelled and high-speed TGV services were also disrupted, according to state operator SNCF.
The one-day strike was called in protest at President Nicholas Sarkozy's plan to streamline services by not replacing half of retiring civil servants.
But turnout was limited for the 80-odd rallies held around the country, with the main rally in Paris drawing 4,200 people according to police, or 10,000 according to unions.
The strikes by rail workers and public sector employees came as French truckers kept up a protest against high fuel prices.
By staff writer
