Protests spread, shutting down subway system

Striking workers shut down half of the Paris subway system yesterday, a nationwide day of walkouts and protests by French train drivers, teachers and other public-sector workers demanding the government and employers increase salaries to keep up with inflation. Union activists, college students and others marched through Paris and other cities to call attention to their demands, and to the growing numbers of people struggling to make ends meet. Europe has faced a series of protests and strikes in recent months over soaring inflation.