French unions agree deal to end airport strike

Leaders of French unions on Monday agreed a deal to end an 11-day airport security strike, media reported. Workers still have to vote on ending the strike, but leaders from four major unions, the FO, CFTC, CFDT and Unsa unions, said employers were now offering a settlement that one of them described as "better than nothing," French radio RFI reported on its website. "This was partly due to President Nicolas Sarkozy's decision to send soldiers and police to help non-striking security personnel frisk passengers and check baggage and prevent airport disruption over the Christmas holiday period," the RFI said. French airport security workers have staged on a nationwide strike since Nov. 16 to demand better working conditions and higher wages. They demanded a pay rise of 200 euros (261 U.S. dollars) per month, but their action failed to provoke more than minor flight delays. After 11 days, many workers wanted the conflict to come to an end and French unions said employers offered to pay an annual bonus to staff to appease their wage demands. Another major union the CGT did not sign the accord, but said it would consult its members. Agents would receive an annual bonus of 1,000 euros (1,304 dollars), while negotiations on working conditions would start next month, media reported. According to local media, workers met earlier and voted to continue the strike through Monday, and were expected to meet again on Tuesday to decide whether to back the deal agreed by some of their unions.