PARIS — A violent clash between police and firefighters broke out in the streets of Paris on Tuesday, during a protest over working conditions and pay. <br /><br />French police attempted to control the situation by firing water cannons and tear gas at the firemen, some of which had even set fire to themselves.<br /><br />The Fire brigade unions want a pay raise of 25% and argued that their work is made increasingly difficult due to staff cuts and attacks against them.<br /><br />Paris police said firefighters who tried to break down or scale fencing near the Nation area of the city were dispersed by water cannon.<br /><br />France24 explains how firefighters have demonstrated before, back in October one protester in the southern city of Dijon was seriously hit in the eye and has not recovered his vision.<br /><br />Videos showing baton-wielding officers struggling against the forces of protesting firefighters made their way online.<br /><br />The news outlet, Metro claims France has seen widespread labor unrest since December, with unions mobilizing against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to reform the pension system.
