Lawyers, nurses, doctors, paramedics and surgeons and flight crews are striking today in France in protest of the government’s plans to reform the pension system.

These latest strikes follow strikes by RATP, the state-owner public transport operator, on Friday 13 September, which brought the centre of Paris to a standstill.

As reported by Le Monde the group known as the collective SOS Retraites, are protesting in Paris today against the pension reform proposals in High Commisioner Jean-Paul Delevoye’s report.

As reported by the paper the joint concern remains the lack of desire for dialogue between professions and the government on the reforms.

It also reported that some professions are concerned about being subject to increased contributions following the reforms. For example, lawyers are facing an double contribution rates under the reforms. For paramedics, contributions will increase by 14 points, increase the rate of contribution by 60 per cent.

On the other hand, some professions will see their contribution rates decrease but this will also result in lower pensions, according to Le Monde.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe last week said that he wants a vote in parliament on the proposed French pension reforms before summer 2020.

As reported by Linernaute, in a speech to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, 12 September, Philippe said that the government would not rush the pension reform. “We are ready to take the time that is needed,” he said.

He said a consultation with social partners will run until December. He also announced that a consultation with the public will involve the creation of an internet platform for people to give their views as well as ‘citizen consultations that will run until the end of the year.

In his speech, the Prime Minister revealed that he has instructed the Delevoye to organise meetings as early as 15 October, with professional organisations that will see their pension system disappear under the universal system.

He also reassured professionals, such as teachers, that have expressed concerns that the new system could result in a cut to their pensions.

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