Workers occupy Paris opera in protest over proposed changes to labour rules

PARIS – Union members have occupied Paris’ Opera Garnier in a protest over proposed changes to labour rules for theatre workers.

Paris police said no arrests have been made and no violence reported in the ongoing protest Thursday.

The opera house warned spectators on its website earlier of possible disruptions because of a threatened strike.

A group leading the protest, the Coordination des intermittents, says on its website that they occupied the building to demand the government and employers pay more heed to union proposals as they negotiate new labour rules for performing industry workers.

Employers lobby Medef has proposed abolishing special unemployment benefits that the workers currently enjoy as seasonal employees. The indebted government is trying to save money, but also support France’s renowned cultural industry.