Large strikes against pension reform in France – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries

The French oil giant Totalenergies states that deliveries of fuel have been suspended at the company’s facilities in France. 64 percent of their refinery workers are on strike today. Two of Esso’s refineries are also affected by strikes. – The strike has started everywhere. Deliveries are blocked from all refineries this morning, says Eric Sellini, coordinator of the French trade union CGT. This is reported by the news agencies AFP and Reuters. CGT was at the forefront of similar actions last autumn. This eventually led to petrol stations running out of fuel. French unions aim to bring most of society to a standstill today. They warn that the strikes today will be the most extensive to date. STANS: Passengers wait for delayed trains this morning. Photo: BENOIT TESSIER / Reuters Many employees in public transport will also strike. Significant delays are expected throughout the day. Teachers are also expected to leave their classrooms today. Inflamed pension issue This is yet another protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s planned pension reform. It means that French workers must work two more years before they can retire at the age of 64. The pension reform was central to Macron’s election campaign last year. The government says that the changes must be made to prevent the pension system running into a deficit in a few years. – If we want to continue with this system, then we have to work longer, said President Macron last month. Strong opposition But the opposition is strong both in parliament and among people on the streets. AFP writes that almost two out of three French people support the protests against the pension reform. This is according to a new poll. – They are right to strike, says Ali Toure, a 28-year-old construction worker waiting for a delayed train at a station outside Paris. Police expect up to 1.4 million people to take part in demonstrations across France today. On January 31, 1.27 million people took part in the largest protest march to date, according to official figures.



ttn-69