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A view of empty platforms of the Gare de Lyon train station during the 30th day of transport strikes in Paris, January 3, 2020. /AP Photo
Top French officials met Friday to hash out their strategy ahead of a new round of pension overhaul talks with unions who have threatened wider protests alongside a crippling transport strike beginning from December 5.
"I urge all union leaders to accept the hand offered by the prime minister so that together we can find a compromise," Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said.
The public transport headache has taken a big bite out of holiday earnings for shops in the capital, with revenues down 30 to 40 percent, according to the CMA business federation.
Hardline unions are fighting a reform that would rationalize France's 42 separate pension regimes into a single points-based system which they say would require millions of people to work beyond the official retirement age of 62.
President Emmanuel Macron made pension reform a key plank of his election campaign, saying it would be fairer and more transparent, particularly for low earners and women.
People walk past a closed access to a subway line during the 30th day of transport strikes in Paris, January 3, 2020. /AP Photo
But unions are vehemently opposed to the proposed "pivot age" of 64 until which people would have to work to receive a full pension, and the loss of early-retirement provisions for some sectors – including the railways.
The CGT union has called a four-day blockade of fuel refineries and depots starting Tuesday, when talks between unions and the government are to resume.
"We're getting dozens of emails from supporters every day," CGT chief Philippe Martinez said during a rally on Friday.
Concessions and concerns
In a New Year's Eve address Macron insisted that he would push ahead with the reform, which will be presented to his cabinet on January 22 ahead of a parliamentary debate.
But he promised that people with arduous jobs would still be allowed to retire earlier – a key sticking point in the talks with unions.
Striking musicians of the Paris Opera House perform outside the Bastille Opera House in Paris, December 31, 2019. /AP Photo
Macron is hoping to win the battle of public opinion, betting that support for the strike will falter the longer the disruption persists.
"I support them, but the problem is that this shouldn't impact all the transport lines," said Sonia Bergoz, a 59-year-old nurse, adding that "you can't do anything, go to work... you can't even go out. I'm getting tired of it."
Unions have called another day of mass demonstrations for Thursday, when teachers, hospital workers and others are expected to join the strike.
"The government is engaged in a battle of attrition. We are playing the exact opposite game – we will continue to be strong," said Eric Challal, a 35-year-old employee at rail operator SNCF who has been on strike since December 5.
But he conceded that losing 30 days' worth of pay and with little prospect of any change was starting to be a concern.
The strike has become the longest continuous train strike in French history, as well as the longest by Paris Opera dancers and other employees who enjoy special pension provisions.
(With input from AFP)
