PARIS, March 25: Four French student leaders snubbed an invitation from the prime minister on Saturday to hold talks on a new youth jobs contract, calling instead for a big turnout at protests and a general strike due on Tuesday.
“For two months, young people and working people have expressed their worries and rejection of the First Job Contract that makes a period of poverty a mandatory phase for an entire generation,” said student leader Bruno Julliard, as he read out a letter signed by him and three other leaders.
The leaders, speaking outside Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin’s office, called for a “massive mobilisation” on Tuesday against the First Job Contract for people under 26, which allows employers to fire them without giving a reason during a two-year trial period.
Strikes are expected to disrupt public transport and authorities have warned of likely disruptions to flights. With many schools closed that day, working parents will need to take time off too.
Students have blocked dozens of universities and school children and parents joined large protest marches last Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday that degenerated into fights between police and rioters.
The four student leaders did not go inside for the meeting requested by Villepin, although three moderate student leaders, who have not been involved in the protests, did meet him.
Afterwards, Villepin said he wanted to find a solution. The interior minister also renewed a call for a compromise in a speech to his UMP party.
