This Thursday in France there is a mobilization against the pension reform that aims to raise the retirement age to 64 years. French unions came together to call for a large national mobilization against the pension reform proposed by the French government, but also to demand a wage increase.
Schools closed, transport lines blocked and planes grounded: the French unions called on all sectors to stop striking.
The spokesman for the French Executive, Olivier Véran, understands that the strike is a “democratic expression”, but he hopes that the debate will take place and that the daily life of the French will not be affected by the strike.
“This is a movement that corresponds to a democratic expression, which we respect, of course: the right to strike is protected by the Constitution. I know the sense of responsibility of the French, I know the difficult daily life of the French… “We hope that this popular expression does not become a blockade. We can demonstrate, challenge ourselves, debate: yes! Blockade the country and everyday life from the French, no!” appealed Olivier Véran.
The main union for primary schools, Snuipp-FSU, forecasts that 70% of primary school teachers will go on strike and that at least a third of Parisian schools will remain closed.
The national secretary for Working Conditions of the Union of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Maxime Reppert, believes that the mobilization could be higher than the numbers announced. “This bill concerns everyone. There is a difference between primary and secondary teachers when it comes to the strike: primary teachers are required to declare their absence 48 hours before the strike date. For high school ones, it is not necessary to warn. For this reason, I believe that the mobilization will be immense, greater than the numbers expected up to now”, said the trade unionist.
The French railway company, SNCF, reported that one in ten trains will run throughout the day, the TGV lines will also be affected, as well as the metro lines.
Faced with the transport blockade, the French are trying to adapt: this is the case of Pierre, who tried to find alternatives to go to work on a strike day. “I spoke to my boss… we have several days of teleworking a week, which makes things easier. I can’t miss a day at work, ”he explains.
Like many French people who aren’t on strike, Ahmed doesn’t know if he’ll make it to work. “I’m coming to the station, but if there’s no train it’s going to be difficult… this is going to be a very long day,” he laments.
The unions united to call a strike in opposition to the pension reform project: the debates in Parliament on this reform project will last until March 26.
Source: TSF
