- Title: FRANCE: Strikes continue in French public transport
- Date: 15th October 2010
- Summary: SLATE INFORMATION
- Embargoed: 30th October 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: France
- Country: France
- Topics: Employment,Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA6DBIVKMJ6P2P3RG9VWG3FROTE
- Story Text: Paris goes into it's third day of transport strikes on Thursday (October 14) in protest against government plans to raise the retirement age.
Traffic was almost back to normal on Thursday (October 14) in the Metro and most Parisian regional transport, but SNCF train traffic between Paris and regions remains irregular.
Nonetheless, SNCF state railways said only 20 percent of its workers walked off the job on Thursday down from 25 percent the day before and 40 percent on Tuesday.
Despite facing difficulties getting to work or reaching their destinations, commuters said they both understand and support the demands of strikers.
"I support the train strike because they are the only kind of workers who can do this kind of strike, a strike that really hits. In the private sector we can't afford to do so. So they are the ones holding the key to blockade the country, along with the refineries," said Ronan, a commuter in Paris and referring to the oil sector strike also underway.
The reforms intended to shake up the pension system come as President Sarkozy's government attempts to curb a ballooning deficit in retirement funds. The reform will raise the minimum retirement age to 62 from 60, and the age at which workers receive a full pension to 67 from 65.
"To work in tough conditions- I am 72 years old - to work until you are 65 or 67, in some jobs it is very difficult," said Claude, a commuter from Brittany.
On Tuesday French demonstrators hit the streets in record numbers in their latest protest, which drew a higher turnout, than four earlier protests, police and unions said.
Another national demonstration is planned for Saturday (October 16) and strikers in various professional areas will take part in what the French media have dubbed the "final battle". The pension reforms are on track to become law by the end of October.
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