French workers go on 48-hour strike over pension reform proposal

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – Opponents of pension reform in France went on strike on Thursday for 48 hours, according to local media.

Workers at oil refineries, electric power plants, ports, and docksides joined the walkout, French daily Le Figaro reported, triggered amid the mass outrage that erupted after the government announced its pension reform proposal, which includes gradually raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Strikes and protests broke out across the country after the details of the reforms were released on Jan. 19, with at least 2 million people taking part in mass demonstrations, according to the country's largest union, CGT.

Unions vowed to continue mobilizing and announced further strikes and protests and plan to take to the streets on Jan. 31.

Earlier on broadcaster France 2, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo declared that the municipality would be closing in solidarity with the protesters on Jan. 31.

This will be a symbolic move though, as Hidalgo added that public services would continue on that day.