French rail and energy unions support strike

Article reports that opposition to France’s landmark pension reform proposals hardened in October 2010 as rail and energy unions gave the go-ahead for an open-ended strike the 12 October 2010.

The move by two of France’s most militant workforces has raised concerns the discontent over the government’s proposals to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62 could intensify, in an echo of the nationwide strikes in 1995 that eventually led to the government’s collapse.

On the 7 October 2010 President Sarkozy said he would inject more cash into his retirement reform bill so some parents can retire earlier.

BBC News, 7.10.10: Sarkozy tweaks pension plan as open-ended strikes loom http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11491941

France24, 7.10.10: Govt amends pension reform ahead of national strike http://www.france24.com/en/20101007-govt-amends-pension-reform-ahead-national-strike-retirement-france-sarkzoy

ESO: Background information: France’s elaborate game of role play / France hit by fresh wave of strikes http://www.europeansources.info/record/frances-elaborate-game-of-role-play-france-hit-by-fresh-wave-of-strikes/

ESO: Background information: France urged to spell out budget deficit cuts http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-urged-to-spell-out-budget-deficit-cuts-french-raise-retirement-age-to-62/

France24, 6.10.10: French railway unions call for open-ended strikes http://www.france24.com/en/20101006-french-rail-unions-ramp-pressure-with-planned-strikes-pension-reform

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