President Emmanuel Macron's decision to force the reform through with special constitutional powers prompted angry protests this spring.

Demonstrations got underway peacefully Tuesday morning, with large crowds in multiple cities. But police braced for violence later in the day.

Travel tangles continued Sunday as the strikes entered their fourth day, with most French trains at a standstill. Fourteen of Paris' subway lines were closed, with only two lines -- using automated trains with no drivers -- functioning.