Amid French President Macron’s Pension Reform, Trade Unions Call for More Strikes

On Thursday, strikes ravaged large swathes of France’s public transport system as protestors agitated against a controversial pensions overhaul. Schools and media were also severely affected.

The proposal, presented by President Emmanuel Macron’s Government last week, would increase the retirement age of most people from 62 (among the lowest in the EU) to 64. It would also increase years of contribution required to receive a full pension.

France’s trade unions called on a mass mobilization. It was the first time they had unified since 2012, when the retirement age was raised from 60 to62.

Unions hope for more than a million demonstrators to take part in over 200 cities across France.

French media reported that 550,000-750,000 protestors were expected to gather in Paris, with 50,000-80,000 staying in the capital.

Macron was not present in France on Thursday

He defended what he called “a” at a French-Spanish summit held in Barcelona. “fair and responsible reform”He expressed his hope that the protests wouldn’t derail into “violence”.

Hamidou, a 43-year-old sanitation worker, was one of thousands who demonstrated in Paris.

“Macron wants us to die on the job,” He said. “We get up very early. Some colleagues wake up at 3 am. Working until 64 is too much.”

Nearby, Charlie Perrin (15 years old) cried about his ever-retreating retirement.

“The way things are going, we’ll be almost unable to walk or live by the time we’re given the right to retire,” She spoke.

According to the government, almost one third of public sector workers were on strike at noon.

– Reform ‘unjust’ –

Laurent Quere (42), a Brittany roofer and carpenter, stated that he would not work any longer in the northwest region.

“What client in their right mind would employ us on a work site aged 64?” He said.

Strikes disrupted public transport in Paris, closing one metro line and making others less frequent than usual. Many overland trains were also cancelled across France.

Official estimates show that 40 percent of primary school teachers and 30 percent in secondary schools walked out. This was a sign that many parents were caring for their children.

Unions have a much higher strike participation rate at 70 percent and 65 percent, respectively.

EDF, the state-owned energy provider, claimed they had reduced electricity output by 7,000 megawatts. RTE, the grid operator, said the figure was 5,000 MW. This is enough to power two Parisian cities.

The CGT union federation however stated that the reduction would have been possible. “no impact on users”.

Philippe Martinez of the CGT union’s hard-left head, revealed to Public Senat on Thursday that the CGT union was planning to reform the pension system. “bundles together everyone’s dissatisfaction” with the government, as well as that rare, united front between worker representatives. “the problem is very serious”.

“This will be a big day of mobilisation, especially with all the unions on the same page,” Martinez said.

“We all agree that the reform is unjust.”

Clement Beaune, Transport Minister, has warned that it would be “a hellish Thursday”All those who are able to work remotely should be encouraged.

Paris Metros and buses are disorganized, so basketball fans might have problems trying to reach the sold out NBA Paris Game between Chicago Bulls (northern) in the evening.

– Two-thirds of the opposition –

According to opinion polls, around two-thirds (or more) of French citizens oppose raising retirement age. This is despite high inflation and the country still recovering after the Covid-19 epidemic’s economic impact.

Macron’s final attempt at reforming pensions in 2019, which was aborted by Covid-19 in Europe one year later, was the reason for the longest strike on Paris’ transport network in over three decades.

The centrist of 45 years, who was elected to his second term last year, pledged to push ahead with plans for raising the retirement age. This is despite forecasts that the system would be in deep financial trouble by the end.

France’s retirement age is currently one of the lowest within the European Union.

Unions are wary of the overhaul and want to protect those who have worked in physically demanding jobs or started work at a young age.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne defended the reform as a way of ensuring more “justice” For retirees.

“Four out of 10 French people, the most fragile, those of the most modest means, those who have tough jobs, will be able to retire before 64 years old,” She has already spoken to parliament.

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