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France Braces for Second Nationwide Strike Against Jobs Law


French union and student leaders hope one million people will stay off the job and protest in another nationwide strike Tuesday against a controversial youth jobs law.

Tuesday's work stoppage is expected to cause major transportation disruptions and leave classrooms empty.

A strike last Tuesday brought about one million demonstrators to the streets across France. Hundreds were arrested when the protests in Paris turned violent.

The jobs bill lets companies hire young workers for a two-year probationary period.

Opponents say it lets bosses fire them for no reason.

President Jacques Chirac has signed the bill, but said the law would not take effect until parliament approves changes.

Union and student leaders say they will accept nothing less than full cancellation of the law.

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AP.

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