France on strike: workers cut off electricity and blocked the entrance to the airport

In France, the 9th mass strike and protests against the controversial reform that includes extending the retirement age in the country by 2 years are taking place today.

Controversial opponents of the pension reform have blocked the entrance to the Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport in Paris. The CDG arm of the General Employment Union announced on its Twitter account that union employees have closed the road to Terminal 1 of the airport to crossings from 10:00.

The energy sector workers who went on strike also cut off electricity to the Paris 6 Municipality, which supported the reform. Protesters stormed the Gare de Lyon, one of the main train stations in Paris, and blocked train services.

In addition, at least 25 percent of workers at the country’s official railway company, SNCF, left work to support the strikes.

HIGH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES ARE ALSO IN ACTION

On the other hand, students from Paris, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Roubaix and Nanterre protested in many universities. As 50 percent of the country’s teachers took part in the strikes, students from more than 40 secondary schools in and around Paris began protesting.

In many cities, including Lille and Saint-Nazaire, protesters barricaded roads and bridges, cutting off traffic. As part of the strikes, Paris museums were closed to visitors.

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) requested that 30 percent of the flights at the Orly airport in Paris be canceled for tomorrow and the day after. Similar requests are expected for other airports later in the day. (AA)