Desperate to prevent the French government from going ahead with pension reform, education and transportation unions have organized another day of demonstrations. Travel throughout the country is at a standstill.
Fortunately for foreign tourists visiting France, international flights are not affected. However, once they arrive, they will find most domestic flights, trains and buses cancelled.
Under new French law, the retirement age has been raised from 60 to 62 for most working people; the law particularly penalizes anyone who is unable to work the full 40-41 year requirement – a population which includes a huge proportion of women.
The strike is likely to intensify as negotiations and talks progress.