Nationwide jail strike hits France

A series of attacks on prison guards by inmates at jails across the country has led to a nationwide strike.

The guards dispute with the government over security concerns and wage increase entered its second week with prison officers' unions vowing a "total blockade" of prisons on Monday, the BBC reported.

Guards at prisons across the country, including the high-security institutions Fleury-Merogis and Fresnes prison outside Paris, took part in protests supported by France's CGT union, the Force Ouvriere (FO) union and the Ufap-Unsa Justice union.

The strike comes after a number of guards were injured in scuffles at several prisons. France's Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet said she would meet union leaders to try to end the crisis.

The Ministry urged union representatives to "resume dialogue immediately", adding that it was the responsibility of all sides to ensure that prisons were functioning.

Last week, three officers were assaulted in an attack at Fresnes prison, which is situated south of Paris. On Sunday, two prison guards required hospital treatment after they were attacked at a detention centre at Longuenesse prison, near Calais, according to prison officials.

The unions were also taking further action after rejecting a draft agreement proposing the creation of 1,100 guard jobs over four years.

--IANS

soni/bg