Unions vow to shut France's economy down amid pension battle

The government is bracing for the biggest disruptions on March 7, when strikes are expected across multiple sectors and protests are planned in cities across France

Roads blocked, oil refineries disrupted, planes grounded, and trains halted — unions are threatening to shut down France's economy this week in what they hope is their toughest riposte yet to President Emmanuel Macron's plan to raise the retirement age.

The first actions are expected on March 6, as truckers are being urged to block major highway arteries and interchanges in go-slow actions dubbed 'escargot' operations. Unions plan an open-ended strike on the national rail service starting on the evening of March 6.

The government is bracing for the biggest disruptions on March 7, when strikes are expected across multiple sectors and protests are planned in cities across France against the retirement Bill. The reform, which would raise the official pension age from 62 to 64 and require 43 years of work to earn a full pension, is currently under debate in the Parliament.

“There will be a very strong impact” from the strikes, Transport Minister Clement Beaune said on regional broadcaster France-3 on March 5. “I know that for many people it will be a real headache”.

Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt, speaking on the FranceInfo news broadcaster on March 6, said, “expressing disagreement is legitimate, yet it must not lead to blocking the country, which would be dangerous to our economy." Authorities encouraged people to work from home on March 7 if possible.

The complex pension Bill is a centre-piece of Mr. Macron's Presidency and his efforts to keep the French economy globally competitive. The centrist, business-friendly government says it's needed to keep the pension system solvent as the population ages and fertility rate drops.

Opponents, which opinion polls suggest include a majority of French voters, say the changes threaten hard-fought French rights. Left-wing lawmakers say companies and the wealthy should pitch in more to keep the system afloat instead.