Many workers went on strike in France on Wednesday. In Paris, for example, this applies to waste processing. Overflowing garbage cans, bursting plastic garbage bags and soggy cardboard boxes are now piling up in many places. People complain about rats and smell.
The ongoing strike of garbage collectors now defines the cityscape of Paris. At least seven tons of waste can be seen that has not been collected. Employees have also stopped working in the waste incineration plants in the major French city. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has therefore asked the city to oblige employees to work. The union, on the other hand, wants to strike at least until Monday.
There are also strikes in the energy sector, refineries, fuel depots and public transport. Flights, trains and trams are repeatedly cancelled. In addition, less electricity is produced, although this has not yet had an impact on consumers. The supply at the filling stations is currently also possible.
Pension reform was the reason
The reason for the protests is the planned pension reform. The starting age must be raised from 62 to 64 in 2030. Previously applicable special pensions will lapse for everyone who is newly hired. In addition, the minimum pension should be increased to EUR 1200 for a period of full contribution payments and the employment of senior citizens should be encouraged. On Wednesday, the parliamentary conciliation committee agreed on a compromise. The bill was passed by a vote of ten to four. This means that the reform will be finally accepted on Thursday.
According to news agencies, more than two-thirds of the population oppose the reform and more than a million people have taken to the streets to protest. For many people in France, the pension system has a high symbolic value as many find their work tiring and tedious. According to a European survey by the EU authority Eurofound, 40 percent of workers in France feel overburdened because the demands are too high. In Germany, for example, this is only 24 percent.
Currently, the French retire at an average age of 60, also because there are fewer jobs for seniors. Less than five percent of retirees live below the poverty line, one of the lowest levels in OECD countries.
Source: Krone
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