UPDATE 2 – Women protest French pension reform plan, ATMs, street furniture vandalized

CHANGES HEADLINE, ADDS DETAILS, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) - ATMs and street furniture were vandalized in Paris as women rallied Wednesday across France to protest the government’s pension reform plan to mark International Women's Day after thousands of workers objected to the proposal the previous day.

Videos shared by an Anadolu correspondent showed ATMs, trash bins and bus stations being vandalized.

Police were seen gearing up to intervene in case the need arose.

As workers decided to remain on strike in some sectors -- public transportation, in particular -- Transport Minister Clement Beaune told the LCI broadcaster that traffic disruptions will continue until Friday.

Some electricity workers deliberately cut power Tuesday and Wednesday, which triggered an angry response from the government.

Government spokesperson Olivier Veran said that the action is illegal and it is not the same as a walkout or a demonstration. He also condemned the vandalism which occurred during the protests Tuesday.

The French Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) urged companies to cancel up to 30% of flights planned for March 9 and 10 because much of the airport staff will be attending the strike action, seriously disrupting air traffic, according to the Le Figaro newspaper.

Senator of The Republicans party (Les Republicains), Stephane Le Rudulier, voiced criticism for the strike culture in France, expressing concern about the possible risks in the energy sector and said he proposed a draft bill to limit the right to strike at oil refineries, added Le Figaro.

Nationwide demonstrations were held in Paris and other cities for a sixth time Tuesday since January after the plan triggered public outrage when it was announced last year.

Trade unions have set new mobilization days for March 11 and 15, in a statement released on Twitter.

The national railway company SNCF's workers, as well as their peers at the Parisian regional transport operator, RATP, decided to extend walkouts to Wednesday.

Oil refinery workers also extended the strike, blocking the fuel transfer to stations.

Young groups will gather Thursday while trade unions asked to be "received urgently" by President Emmanuel Macron, according to media reports.

The reform plans, which have triggered public outrage, include raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2030 and requires at least 43 years of work to be eligible for full pensions.