Much of France's rail network has ground to a halt as workers strike in protest against changes to labour rules.

According to the SNCF national rail authority, about 40% of France's high-speed trains and more than half of regional trains have been cancelled.

Eurostar trains to London are expected to run normally, but more than half of services to Spain and Italy are affected. Commuter trains serving Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport are also being impacted by the strike.

Three of the four unions representing workers at SNCF called for the strike. Unions are threatening to stay off the job through the start of the European Championship football tournament next week.

Nationwide labour action this week is tapping public anger at a bill allowing employers more freedom to lay off staff and extend working hours.

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