Tens of thousands of striking French teachers and other civil servants have marched through Paris and other cities in the third day of protests over pay, reforms and planned job cuts.
Marchers in the French capital held a banner reading "For quality public service, raise salaries."
The walkout forced the closing of numerous schools as Education Ministry officials confirmed that at least 40 percent of the country's teachers had walked off the job. A stoppage by air traffic controllers halted all flights at Bordeaux airport in western France.
Three days of labor protests began with a walkout by postal employees Tuesday. A strike by rail workers severely reduced train service Wednesday.
The French government says labor reforms are necessary to reduce unemployment and make the country's economy more competitive.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP.