The third mass strike against the pension reform begins in France

While the Government continues to discuss the reform bill, which contemplates raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 years, the third major strike against this reform began in the National Assembly with the participation of many unions, especially the Union General of Workers. (CGT).

According to French press reports, employees in basic service sectors, including energy, transport, refinery and shipyard workers, joined the strike in many cities, especially Paris.

UNEMPLOYED KEY SECTORS

As part of the strikes, where protests are expected across the country, the electricity output of EDF, France’s main power provider, was cut by 2,500 megawatts. While most of the train, metro and bus services were cancelled, many kilometers of vehicle queues formed on the roads due to the traffic of more vehicles.

The French General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has asked airlines to cancel one of the 5 flights at the Paris airport due to the controllers’ strike. On the other hand, teachers and students from all over the country joined the strike in support.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that 11,000 police and gendarmes were deployed throughout the country, 4,000 of them in Paris, due to today’s strikes and demonstrations.

Controversial PENSION REFORM

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced the content of the pension reform, which was among President Emmanuel Macron’s election promises on January 10.

Noting that in the country where the retirement age is 62, the legal retirement age will gradually increase by 3 months each year and will increase to 64 in 2030, starting on September 1, noting that it will be a requirement for pay the premiums. for 43 years to receive the full pension in 2027.

Millions of people staged strikes and protests throughout the country on January 19 and 31 against the controversial reform. (AA)