French trade unions have joined forces for nationwide strikes and demonstrations Thursday, demanding higher wages

French trade unions have joined forces for nationwide strikes and demonstrations Thursday, demanding higher wages, improved pensions and better public services while supporting ongoing high school student protests. Approximately 260 rallies are planned across France, with major demonstrations in Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide amid concerns over possible unrest. Schools, public transportation and other services are facing major disruptions.