Get ready for a week of strikes

AIR FRANCE pilots continue to strike today as senators examine the bill that includes plans to raise their retirement age to 65.

The firm says it expects many flights to be disrupted, but the actual programme of flights being maintained will not be known until 20.00 on the day before they are due to leave.

Even so, some may be cancelled at the last minute, they add.

Updates can be found at www.airfrance.fr under “reservations et promotion/actualités des vols.”

A free customer phoneline has been set up on 0800 240 260 (from abroad call 0033 157 02 10 55).

Rail

On November 19 drivers from two rail unions CFDT et FGAAC will walk out in protest at plans to reorganise their work schedules and contracts.

They will be followed by drivers in the CGT, Force ouvrière, SUD-Rail and CFE-CGC unions from the evening of November 23.

Most teachers’ unions have called for strikes and protests on November 20 to oppose “the degradation of working conditions” and job cuts.

A spokesman for the largest union, the SNUipp-FSU, said they hoped to equal the turnout for their last strike where 46-63% of members took part.

The strike will hit lycées and écoles and the national students’ union will also take part.

On Saturday postal workers will take part in demonstrations against plans to privatise La Poste.

Photo:Afp Michel Gangne