by Jeff Lowe. THE CRISIS of the Balladur government in France is escalating. The victories at Air France and over the government's attempts to cut wages for young people have encouraged a new wave of struggles In Fresnes, a suburb of Paris, Renault workers have been occupying their factory since March 7 to oppose redundancies, defend trada union rights and for wage On April 7 the whole of Paris ground to a halt as workers on the Metro, buses and local train services took 24 hour strike action.
Their action was to protest against plans to cut subsidies, break up the RATP (the authority which controls all transport in Paris) and eventual privatisation.
The same day workers in France Telecom, the Post Office and the Societe Generale bank took strike action.
Although the transport workers strike, combined protest demonstration in Paris to only three thousand, larger demonstrations took place elsewhere. Six thousand marched in Nantes, five thousand in Vierzon for example.
These demonstrations were joined by students fresh from their victory over attempts to cut the minimum wage for young people and by unempleyed youth.
In true Stalinist fashion the Communist Party union officials tried to prevent contact between these radicalised youth and trades unionists.
Struggles around social issues are also continuing. In Lyon large demonstrations have demanded the right of two deported Algerians to return to France. Even the local court has demanded their return.
Trades unionists throughout France are now organising campaigns against unemployment and for the 35 hour week.
The first leg of a 'right to work' march set off from Albi in the south of France on April 6. Numerous other legs Mitterrand shrugs it off are planned and will meet together in Paris on May 2629.