Thursday's walkout by air traffic controllers demanding better working and retirement conditions prompted the cancellation of half of flights. It was the second day of a two-day strike, and more are planned in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, railway workers, health care providers, energy sector personnel and others honored an unrelated general strike — partially to register discontent against a government reform plan that reduces workplace protections coveted by many employees, AP reported.

A spokeswoman for the Eiffel Tower said many employees of the famed Paris landmark took part in solidarity with the overall movement.