France's CGT leader calls for wider November 5 strike action

Sophie Binet, general secretary of France's General Confederation of Labour, called for the broadest possible strike on November 5 and continued mobilisation beyond that date.

Speaking to reporters, Binet said the government had not answered union demands. She urged workers to hold meetings at workplaces and public institutions to prepare participation in the strike.

Protests in France began in mid-September with high school pupils demanding improved school conditions in the Paris suburbs. People angered by rising prices later joined them, and demonstrations spread to other regions.

About 550 thousand people took part in nationwide demonstrations on October 17, according to the Interior Ministry. Police used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon during the protests.