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.
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.
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.
Paris police said firefighters who tried to break down or scale fencing near the Nation area of the city were dispersed by water cannon.
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.
Videos showing baton-wielding officers struggling against the forces of protesting firefighters made their way online.
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.