Paris riot police and striking train workers clash
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French riot police clashed with train workers during a week long strike, causing some of the worst disruption to the country's rail network in years.
Angry train staff hurled bottles and blocked traffic over a bill to reform the state-run railway system.
And the chaos shows no signs of slowing down as the reform bill goes to the lower house of Parliament for debate today.
Clash: French riot police fire tear gas at train workers as they protest a bill to reform the Paris rail system
Violent: Train workers and armed officers clash on the streets over the proposed change to laws relating to the state-run railway network
Choas: The clashes show no sign of slowing down as the reform bill goes to the lower house of Parliament for debate today
The bill would unite the SNCF train operator with the RFF railway network, which would pave the way to opening up railways to competition. Workers fear the reform will mean job losses and security concerns.
The government says the reform is needed to create a stronger structure for the railways, as France and other European countries gear up for full-scale railway liberalization in coming years.
Several hundred workers staged a protest Tuesday near the National Assembly on Paris' Left Bank, waving red union flags and demanding that the bill be delayed or changed.
United: Striking train workers, some wearing bibs of the Workers' Force union, shout anti government slogans
Controversy: The proposed bill would unite the SNCF train operator with the RFF railway network
Network trouble: Train travellers are assisted by SNCF staff during the chaos
The protesters blocked cars and tried to push past police to approach the parliament building, firing flares and throwing bottles.
Officers responded with tear gas and batons and wrestled a few protesters to the ground.
The protesters retreated and their demonstration continued peacefully.
Hellish: Commuters arrive at the Gare de l'Est train station by one of a few trains available in Paris
Stranded: Paris commuters pile out of one of the few trains available today in Paris
Fed up: French commuters face traffic chaos amid the strike
Later Tuesday, French television showed footage of protesters marching onto train tracks at Paris' busy Montparnasse station, which links travelers with cities across western and southwest France.
The strike began last Wednesday, and while only a minority of workers are taking part, it has disrupted travel on trains across France and on commuter lines.
Long wait: Passengers try to get comfortable at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris as they face long delays
Deserted: A passenger waits at Gare de L'Est train station in Paris
Delays: Travellers being helped by SNCF assistance at the Paris-Austerlitz train station in Paris
About a third of trains were canceled nationwide Tuesday. The strike has not affected international lines such as the Eurostar train from Paris to London, but it has caused problems for international travelers using the commuter rail to and from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls broke with the tradition that governments don't meddle in strikes, saying Monday that the movement was 'not useful and not responsible.'
Lawmakers begin debating the bill Tuesday afternoon.
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