Unions march against French pension reform plan in fourth national day of protests

Protests continued in France today, 11 February, over the government’s pension reforms.

Under Emmanuel Macron’s proposals, employees will work two years longer before retirement - meaning until the age of 64 for most people.

Unions have been striking since mid-January as to protest against the government’s plans.

Following Saturday’s demonstration, a fifth day of protest has been agreed by France’s eight main unions, sources at the CGT, CFTC and Unsa unions told Reuters.

The source also said that unions may also organise further protests for March, when the pension reform bill is due to be debated in the Senate.

Union leaders hoped for a large turnout on Saturday, which was the first protest day on a weekend, meaning workers did not need to strike or take time off to participate.

“On Saturday, everybody can take part in the demonstrations. It needs to be a popular, massive and festive event,” Laurent Berger, head of the CFDT union told BFM TV.

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