A nationwide day of strike action across key working sectors is due to take place in France tomorrow (19 January) over government plans for pension reforms.

Last week, the French government announced its proposal to raise the retirement age in the country from 62 to 64 by 2030 as part of wider reforms to the pension system.

For the first time in 12 years, all eight of France’s main trade unions, CFDT, CGT, CFE-CGC, CFTC, FO, FSU, Unsa, and Solidaires, have agreed to hold a day of strike action.

The unions have called for the immediate withdrawal of the reforms, which they have described as unnecessary and unfair.

Left-leaning political parties in France, such as the Greens and Communists, have voiced their support for the proposed strike.

It remains unclear how many sectors will respond to the call for strike action, but several industries, including education and transport, have confirmed they will be taking part.

The proposed pension age reform process is scheduled to start in September, reaching 63 years and three months by 2027 and hitting the target age of 64 in 2030.

Alongside the raising of the retirement age, several other proposals were presented as part of the reforms.

The amount of time working needed to receive a full pension will rise from 42 years to 43 and a guaranteed minimum pension income will be introduced.

This income level will be set at no less than 85 per cent of minimum wage for new retirees.

Public sector workers in mentally or physically demanding jobs will keep the right to retire earlier than the wider workforce, but their retirement age will rise at the same rate.

The government also announced that differing retirement ages and pension benefits for certain workforces, such as rail workers, would end.

Share Story: