French Trade Unions call for 'massive mobilisation' against Macron's pension reforms

France's transport system is set to face widespre chaos and disruption amid calls for a “Black Thursday” by protestors and unions against ministration’s pension reforms. development comes after workers from 8 of France’s major unions announced a National Day of Strike on January 19.  

strikes are being organized as a show of protest against French President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to raise official age of retirement, Guardian reported. Calls for a “massive mobilization,” by Union leers are being described as “first major test of public’s resolve.”

French Unions united for first time in 12 years

Amid widespre distribution of strike notices by French unions, France’s transport, energy, education, oil, and health sectors have confirmed ir participation in strike. Notably, this is first time in 12 years that nation’s Unions have united in ir “total opposition” to government’s plans, RFI reported.  

Three-quarters of France’s teachers are expected to join strike, Guardian reported. Meanwhile, nation’s transport and health services are expected to be disrupted with Paris metro confirming that strike will hinder its services. Flights have reportedly been cancelled. Furrmore, country’s truck drivers, delivery companies and couriers have also announced strikes.   

Although French public largely accepts changes to nation’s pension system, according to a poll, particular opposition of public is aimed at Macron ministration’s plans to raise official retirement age from 62 to 64, which would prompt workers into paying pension system for a longer duration, Guardian stated. Unions have described Macron ministration’s plans as “unfair and unnecessary” and aim to get plans dropped.   

he of CGT union Philippe Martinez expects “several million people” will come toger to demonstrate against reforms. Meanwhile, nation’s intercity train service is expected to be worst affected, with warnings that none will function on Thursday.   

Meanwhile, Macron ministration has me it clear that it will not back down in its pursuit of pension reforms and has urged workers not to paralyze nation. Macron’s party, which lost its majority in general election last June, will be dependent on conservative Les Républicains party to help push measure through French parliament. Furrmore, ministration plans to use a constitutional measure known as 49:3, as a fallback to get legislation passed without a parliamentary debate or vote.