Transport services across France hit a snag and the Eiffel tower remained closed as thousands of employees went on strike Thursday to demand a pay rise and oppose the government’s proposed pension reforms.
Several sectors including schools, pharmacies, gas stations, railways, and buses are likely to be affected by the strike. The Eiffel Tower’s administration informed on Twitter that the monument is closed due to the strike but access to the esplanade will remain open and free of charge.
Anadolu Agency reports that the nationwide strike was called by three major workers’ unions – CGT, FSU, and Solidaires – which want the Macron government to raise wages to a minimum of €2,000, impose work for 32 hours a week and reduce the retirement age to 60 years.
The unions have organised around 200 demonstrations, processions and gatherings across the country under the slogan “raise wages, not the retirement age.”
President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to extend the retirement age from the current 62 years to 65 years is severely contested. The bill on pension reforms is scheduled to be discussed in the parliament next month.
Macron has reportedly said if the opposition tries to block the bill, he is willing to dissolve the assembly to call in fresh elections and postpone the reforms till next year.
Meanwhile, tourists in Paris were unable to visit the Eiffel Tower on Thursday due to the strikes against higher prices and planned pension reforms, the operating company said.
Visitors who bought tickets online were informed by e-mail, the company said, apologising for the inconvenience.
The company noted that the forecourt of Paris’ most famous landmark remained open and accessible free of charge.