France braces for fresh protests as unions strike over higher wages

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to march in French cities on Thursday, as public workers go on strike alongside protesting students.

The mobilization, called by trade unions seeking higher wages, comes after demonstrations over education and the rising cost of living on October 17 triggered some of the worst rioting France has seen in years.

Police will be out in force for Thursday's protests, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announcing around 70,000 police officers and security forces would be deployed across the country.

Authorities estimate some 500,000 to 700,000 people will take part in the demonstrations, including about 80,000 in the capital, Paris.

Who is striking on Thursday?

Public and private education unions have called for staff to walk off the job, as well as unions representing rail workers, public hospitals and postal services.

They are demanding for an increase in minimum wage, across-the-board wage raises, tax reforms and better learning conditions for young people.

The Education Ministry said 17.5% of primary school teachers were expected to strike. French power unions were also to join the action, state-owned utility EDF said.

Media reports said state railway operator SNCF expects only minor disruptions to long-distance services. It's not clear to what extent a strike called by air traffic controllers could disrupt air traffic.

Among those joining Thursday's marches are students who have been protesting for weeks over deteriorating learning conditions. Those demonstrations have grown to include widespread anger over high living costs and inequality.

Although the recent student-led protests have largely been peaceful, some saw clashes with police, with officers using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, as well as rioting and looting.