French Strikes Head Into Day 6

The French transport strike headed into its sixth day today, with the unions losing some steam but hoping to hold out until tomorrow, when they will be reinforced by a separate strike of civil servants, lawyers and magistrates. Exasperated French commuters found some relief, as diminishing numbers of strikers meant more trains were running than last week. 

The strike has caused havoc, with massive traffic jams around Paris each day. Thousands turned out yesterday for an anti-strike protest in Paris, and French public opinion is generally against the rail and bus workers, who are striking to retain a special privilege of retiring earlier than other workers. Talks to resolve the conflict are due mid-week. (More France stories.)