Day of strikes has mixed impact in France

PARIS, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- This was Black Thursday in France, a day of strikes protesting the economic crisis, but officials said its impact apparently was less than expected.

Transportation was fairly normal in Paris, CNN reported, with about three-quarters of subways, trains and buses operating regularly with only slight disruptions.

The transit authority said service was more spotty in the suburbs and areas outside Paris.

Public transportation workers, private sector workers and civil servants called the 36-hour general strike to show concern over low salaries, eroding buying power and job insecurity.

Schools, post offices, airports, hospitals and courts were all affected by the number of workers participating in the strike.