National strike plan for March 23

FIVE trade unions have called a nationwide day of strike action on March 23 in protest at the French government’s proposed pension reforms.

The CFDT, CGT, FSU, Solidaires and Unsa are planning the industry-wide walkout after Nicolas Sarkozy announced a new law on retirement would be pushed back to the autumn instead of summer as originally planned.

It is too early to say what effect the strike will have – or which areas will be hit.

Unions called for a 'day of action' following yesterday's summit between business leaders, politicians and unions.

The government is planning a reform of the French retirement system later this year. In a poll last weekend, 59% of people said they were against changing the state pension age.