Tensions Mount Over French Transport Strike
December 15, 2019
3:12 pm
Tensions between the French government and unions opposed to pension reforms mounted on the 11th day of a crippling transport strike Sunday, with the prime minister warning the French would not tolerate being stranded at Christmas.
The pensions overhaul, unveiled this week by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, would fold France’s 42 separate pension schemes — including the early retirement schemes covering train drivers, dockers and several other professions — into one system that requires people to work for longer.
Philippe particularly angered the unions by proposing a reduced payout for people who retire at the legal age of 62 instead …
