DHAKA: A weeklong nationwide strike and mass protests by workers of oil refineries, nuclear power plants and some public transportation services have crippled parts of the country, with hundreds of gas stations running dry and vehicles lining up for hours to fill their tanks.

Riot police stand guard as workers at an oil refinery burn tires and blockade an oil depot in Douchy-Les-Mines, France, on May 25 to protest proposed changes to labor laws, CNN reports on Friday (May 27).

People are now hoarding gas, worried that it may be some time until supply levels are back to normal.

The workers are protesting a labor reform bill put forward by the government that will make it easier for companies to hire and fire employees. The government's argument is that the strict laws that make French workers among the best protected in the world leave companies in a difficult position where they can't take on new staff.

It’s part of the reason the country has an unemployment rate of more than 10% and young people struggle to get a foot in the market, the government says.

BDST: 1836 HRS, May 27, 2016
SAS/AKA