Fears are growing that industrial action across France will cause chaos during the World Cup.

Lorry drivers wanting more pay are stepping up protests with a day of road blocks and "go-slows" on Tuesday.

The action is being held by one of the smaller hauliers' unions, Force Ouvriere (FO). It follows two days of industrial action by some Air France pilots.

Go-slow for lorry drivers

Larger lorry drivers' unions were not joining Tuesday's protest. But industrial action could continue after Tuesday.

The militant FO union has not ruled out more stoppages during the World Cup. Other unions in the transport sector have also threatened to disrupt France 98 in an effort to win higher pay awards.

As well as disruption on the roads and in the air, there are fears of strikes on the national railway network and in Paris public transport.

The powerful Communist-led CGT trade union said railway, energy, construction and department store workers would stage nationwide protests on June 4 - six days before the big kick-off.

CGT leaders said the World Cup must be a party for everyone and wage earners must not be left out.

"All must be done to make the World Cup a success, but if labour conflicts are justified then there will be conflicts," said Gilbert Stoquert, head of the CGT's transport branch.

Services seriously affected

Tuesday's action by lorry drivers coincides with the opening day of pay negotiations with employers.

It comes seven months after the last major lorry drivers' strike in France which ended with an agreement that pay would be improved.

A recent Air France strike was the second in a month to hit the national airline and some services were seriously affected.

A third of domestic and medium-haul flights at Paris's Orly airport and 15% at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport were cancelled.

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©