Source: AFP
A French police union threatened on Tuesday to shut down the Olympic torch relay before the start of the Paris Games in July unless police officers are given bonuses.
The Alliance union said the French prime minister’s office and the finance ministry had suspended special Olympics payments promised to police of up to 1,900 euros ($2,032).
Warning that a first demonstration had been called for Thursday, the union said other actions could follow and “we are not ruling out disruption of the torch relay”.
The threat highlights the challenge for French authorities as they negotiate Olympic bonuses for public sector staff who are required to work during the traditional summer holiday period.
The largest union representing staff in the public administration, the CGT, has threatened its members to strike during the Olympics starting on July 26.
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The torch relay is scheduled to start in Marseille on May 8.
The country’s militant air traffic controllers also called a strike this Thursday, despite having promised an “Olympic truce” last September.
Workers at the national mint who produce the medals for the contestants are also on strike, demanding bonuses for what they say is extremely demanding work.
“I hope we welcome everyone in the best possible conditions and don’t spoil the party,” Games chief organizer Tony Estanguet said in February when asked about the risk of a holiday in the famously strike-prone country.
The first Olympic Games in Paris in 100 years will be held from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.
Source: AFP