READ ALSO French firefighters clash with riot police in ParisAlthough this is the frrst time it has turned violent, the protests have been going on for some months now. In June seven unions, representing 85 percent of the professional firefighters of France, filed a notice with France's Interior Minister Christophe Castaner giving notice of industrial action. READ ALSO: French firefighters: Why are they so smoking hot Photo: AFP Unions argue that the country's fire service is in higher demand than ever however it is has "fewer staff and fewer resources". We want to alert the French," said André Goretti, president of the FA - SPP-PATS, the largest union of professional firefighters. However even if they declare themselves on strike, firefighters may be required to perform a minimum service, as "agents ensuring the functioning of services essential to the guarantee of people's physical security".

Source: The Local October 16, 2019 06:45 UTC