French protesters hijack TV news

Presenter David Pujadas under siege

France's minister for the arts has summoned managers of a state-owned TV station after Monday's main evening news bulletin was interrupted by protesters.

A group of disgruntled temporary workers in the entertainment industry invaded the France-2 studio and gathered behind the presenter waving posters demanding "Justice for the Workers".

Shortly afterwards, the demonstrators were allowed to read out a statement protesting against proposed changes to unemployment benefits for casual workers in the arts.

Culture and Communication Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon has demanded an explanation of the incident.

Ladies and gentlemen, I leave you the podium, here you go, take my seat. And we're listening to you Presenter to protesters

"This hijacking of the TV news bulletin seriously contradicts the principle of freedom of information which is exclusively the responsibility of the editorial staff," he said in a statement.

In the studio, TV presenter David Pujadas gave up his chair to the protesters spokeswoman.

"We've decided to allow them to speak for a minute to express their demands," he told viewers. "Ladies and gentlemen, I leave you the podium, here you go, take my seat. And we're listening to you".

He looked on as a spokeswoman for the protesters described the proposed changes, which will affect pay and conditions, as "disastrous, unfair and illegal".

We have no choice other than resistance. It's do or die for us Protester

"We want real reform, negotiated with all those concerned. We want our proposals to be taken into account. We ask for a debate on this question, to be broadcast in prime time," said the spokeswoman.

Casual workers are angry and frustrated because the government, employers and unions have ignored their opinions.

The government is imposing low pay and worsening conditions for employment, the spokeswoman declared.

"We have no choice other than resistance. It's do or die for us," she added. "What we are defending, we are defending for everyone."

Ending with a call to join a demonstration in Paris on Thursday, the protesters picked up their coats and filed out of the studio.

Mr Pujadas apologised for the interruption and went back to reading the news.

Long-running dispute

The protest was the latest in the long-running dispute which wrecked a number of prestigious arts festivals in France over the summer.

The government proposes to change the current system of benefits which give performers and technicians social protection during long periods without work.

The new rules will mean workers have to contribute for longer, and will receive lower benefit payments.

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.