Dubai – Masaader News
French workers are angry at being forced to retire later or face reduced pensions, according to BBC.
School and transport workers have been joined by police, lawyers, and hospital and airport staff for a general walkout that could include millions of people.
The official retirement age has been raised in the last decade from 60 to 62, and Macron wants to raise it to 64.
France’s largest nationwide strike in years was agreed by unions unhappy with President Emmanuel Macron’s plans for a universal points-based pension system.
Macron’s new plan aims to reward employees for each day worked, awarding points that would later be transferred into future pension benefits.
The move to a universal points-based pension system would remove the most advantageous pensions for a number of jobs ranging from sailors to lawyers and even opera workers.
Meanwhile, those retiring before 64 would receive a lower pension. For example, someone retiring at 63 would receive 5% less, so unions fear it will mean having to work longer for a lower pension.
Macron administration hopes to avoid a repeat of the country’s general strike over pension reforms in 1995, which crippled the transport system for three weeks and drew massive popular support, forcing a government reversal.