The Hindu : International : Millions stranded as strike continues in France

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 17, 2007
ePaper

International

International

Millions stranded as strike continues in France

Vaiju Naravane

Paris: Millions of commuters were again stranded in freezing temperatures across France as railway workers voted to continue their strike against proposed pension reforms. Traffic snarls around Paris were over 300 km long and irate motorists took several hours to reach their workplace as the strike entered its third consecutive day.

Violent incidents were reported from many Paris train stations where striking workers tried to prevent the departure of trains by throwing equipment and debris on the track. They also harangued drivers who had chosen to ignore the strike call and report for work.

On Thursday, there appeared to be a glimmer of hope for a speedy resolution when one of the largest trade unions, the CGT (Confederation General of Labour), indicated it would be ready to enter into negotiations with the government.

But the rank and file did not agree with the leadership, voting unanimously to continue the strike. The government has said it will not begin negotiations unless workers end their strike. The workers say they want to see the government’s blueprint for reforms before calling off the work stoppage.

More trouble lies ahead since public sector workers such as teachers, hospital staff, government servants and others are expected to join the movement next Tuesday.

Students are already on strike protesting newly passed university reforms and some 40 universities remained closed on Friday. This is proving to be the biggest challenge faced by President Nicolas Sarkozy. Some observers say that he is purposely taking a tough stand since his real intention is to break the unions’ back in the manner of Margaret Thatcher in the 70s.

Certain categories of workers enjoy special privileges such as retirement at the age of 50 with full pay. This law was adopted for engine drivers at a time when they had to shovel coal in steam-driven engines. Today they drive sleek electric trains that are almost totally automated. However, the archaic and outdated laws continue to remain in place.

Mr Sarkozy has argued that besides bringing these special pensions in line with those of the rest of the workforce, he wishes to extend the number of years a person has to work in order to qualify for a full pension from 37 to 40.

These reforms are long overdue.

A person retiring at the age of 65 today can hope to live for at least another 20 years. Who then will pay his pension? In the French system, those working today pay into a pension fund that provides the pensions of retirees.

As the workforce has narrowed, the pension fund has tended to shrink, while the number of retirees has increased , creating a huge deficit in public finances.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail