Sarah, are you out reporting on these "evenements?"
on thursday they had already started, closing down the whole Cours de Vinciennes. I didn't have my camera, and I have had a hard time following this because there are so many different protected contracts here.
There is the 'hiring of someone on unemployment' where the govn't pays half the salary for a year or so, and then there is a first contract deal. Job security is for life pretty much, unless of course there is a downturn in the economy and then there is no problem.
I've always found that the French have an very serious approach to their professions, despite the security, especially since job performance is so closely watched and only those appropriate are tapped to prepare for their famous concours- in order to move up.
Also there is a mandatory expense on annual training of employees that really keeps everyone on top of their field.
I just won't tow the 'France sucks' line, although I have my differences with the culture.