Workers, unions set to 'block' France over pension reform plan

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) - Workers and their unions are gearing to "block" France on Tuesday to protest for the sixth time against the government's proposed pension reform plan.

Labor unions have called for a nationwide strike while the Senate is still debating the reform plan.

The controversial reform project triggered outrage as soon as it was mentioned last year.

French intelligence is expecting between 1.1 million and 1.4 million protesters in 320 demonstrations on Tuesday, according to broadcaster BFMTV.

Paris alone will host up to 90,000 protesters, the same source added.

The French Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) last week urged companies to cancel up to 30% of flights planned for March 7 – 8 as much of the airport staff will be attending the strike action, seriously disrupting air traffic.

Transport Minister Clement Beaune on Sunday said that "March 7 will be one of the hardest days" since the beginning of the protests.

He warned against severe disruptions due to the walkouts in railway and bus companies.

Government spokesperson Olivier Veran last week said that "the worst thing to do would be to block the country."

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