top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French unions set new date for fresh pension reform strikes

Unions said by pushing the reforms through parliament without MPs voting, the government had chosen to accentuate the democratic and social crisis in France

Unions across France are set to strike again in a new national movement called for April 6 Pic: HJBC / Shutterstock

French unions have announced another national strike to protest the government’s controversial pension reforms.

Workers are being urged to walk out on Thursday, April 6, in what will be the 11th official national day of action.

France’s transport network is expected to be affected, with delays and cancellations likely. 

In a joint statement read out by Solidaires representatives Simon Duteil and Murielle Guilbert, the cross-union group called for “union demonstrations defined locally and a new major day of strikes and protests across the entire country”.

The unions said the day had been called “after two months of an exemplary social movement, unprecedented for 50 years, [and] widely supported by the population” in response to a “chaotic parliamentary process”.

It added: “The lack of response from the executive has led to a situation of tension in the country that worries us very much”.

The statement added that by using article 49.3 – which saw the reforms pass through parliament without MPs voting – the government has “chosen to accentuate the democratic and social crisis”. 

It said that unions had warned of “a social explosion” from the beginning and called the reform “unfair, unjustified, and brutal”.

Read more: Fury as French PM forces through pension reforms without a vote 

Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has said she will meet union representatives next week to discuss a way forward through the crisis.

The government passed its controversial reform - which sees the minimum retirement age in France rise from 62 to 64 - via the 49.3 article in mid-March. It then narrowly escaped two votes of no confidence put forward by opposition parties.

Read also

Updated: Dates and sectors of upcoming pension strikes in France 

French PM survives two no-confidence votes over pension reforms 

 

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France