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Union Uprising: Million French Workers Take to Streets Protesting Pension Reform

Union Uprising: Million French Workers Take to Streets Protesting Pension Reform

A steel worker protests France's new retirement age during a demonstration in June. Pretests resumed today. (Photo: AP)

Demonstrations continue in Europe as the continent’s leaders turn to unpopular reforms to fix its problems. The sharp dissension resulting from those reforms could be seen today in France, as French unions lead a charge against the government’s recent pension-reform announcement.

According to the Wall Street Journal, French unions took to the streets on Thursday to protest a plan that will raise the retirement age to 62 from the current 60. The unions also spearheaded a massive strike.

France’s National Assembly adopted the bill last week that it says will bring EUR20 billion of savings by 2020 and will balance the books of the failing pension system by 2018. France’s projected public debt this year is 7.8 percent of GDP.

That doesn’t seem to matter to union leaders. The WSJ reports that Bernard Thibault, leader of the Communist-leaning union Confederation generale du travail (CGT) threatened that the government could face a new phase of conflict if it doesn’t budge on the pension overhaul.

The protests and strikes, the second massive demonstration this month, are affecting the country’s transportation network. Only 50 percent of high-speed trains and regional trains were running Thursday, and national air carrier Air France-KLM said it had to cancel half of it short and medium-haul flights out of Paris.

The French demonstrations could be yet another example of reform unrest in Europe. Demonstrators — most notably in Greece — have been opposing such efforts ever since it became clear that an over-dependence on government aid would be unsustainable.

According to the French Interior Ministry, there were about 410,000* demonstrators at 110 rallies across the country. Still, the French government does not show signs of budging on the new proposal.

UPDATE:

*Reuters is now reporting that the number of those protesting has reached close to 1 million.

Comments (111)

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  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:19pm

    Is this something they paid into? Or is this a free ride promised to them? This is the future of Unions in this country if this keeps up….sad.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • Areyoukiddingme
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:18pm

    Wow… hate to see their carbon-footprint from all the flares… :)

    Report Post » Areyoukiddingme  
    • R U Kidding Me
      Posted on September 24, 2010 at 1:47am

      NICE NAME. CATCHY. Hope we don’t confuse people. I’m posted on the 3d page.
      Like I said before, I would like to see someone start a Non-Union Union. People who want to work, will and people who want to do as little as possible and get high wages (sounds like a government worker doesn’t it) will continue to price themselves out of a job.
      My Motto: Hire a Non-Union worker today!.
      Hope you agree.

      Report Post »  
  • mtnclimberjim
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:16pm

    At least mexico is too stupid to unionise. The revolution is starting to take shape.

    Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:12pm

    I can’t believe how many people want everything for nothing. Sorry people but no one owes you anything. Unions are ruining the whole world.

    Report Post » Marylou7  
  • carol m
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:10pm

    Here’s what astounds me. The Unions have done nothing for their workers. When their workers are out of work what are they told. Gee we wish we could help, but you know the economy. Meanwhile the Union Heads are making tons of money and donating even more of their workers hard earn dues to compains that will favor unions. Why don’t the union workers ask for their money back from these gangsters. Think about it union workers what has your union actually done for you?

    Report Post »  
  • 912Cindy
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:03pm

    We may be missing the point, the changes in 2010 and 2012 will INCREASE tensions (not decrease them). There will need to be adjustments made in unions and with there will not be anymore bailouts. Yes this is our future, but it is needed to get us back on a sustainable path. We have some very hard times coming for us all.

    Report Post »  
  • HOPE FLOATS
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:54pm

    I don’t understand this mindset. There is no logic to it. No love of the common good, no self control, no moral judgement. No understanding that at times we must make certain personal sacrifices to make a brighter future possible. I see only a frenzy of self-interest and self-absorption that leaves me nearly speechless. They have done this to themselves and I find it very sad and very poignant.

    Report Post » HOPE FLOATS  
    • bghandlcw
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:42pm

      HOPEFLOATS- Completely agree with you. These protesters will be the first ones to say that this is for the “common good” but it’s all about them while they harm the entire economic future of France! How did debt become so commonplace and fiscal responsibility become RADICAL??

      Report Post »  
  • Pistol Pete
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:54pm

    These people are too much, they deserve what they get, trouble that is!

    Report Post » Pistol Pete  
  • egosumverum
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:52pm

    Now it is the unions saying L’etat, c’est moi! We need to cut the heads off of the unions as soon as possible.

    Report Post »  
  • Windsong
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:48pm

    Hey, French Unions! I have one word for you. Greece. Why is it that you are burning your own cities, fighting for something that is totally unsustainable? A man named George Soros, along with a man named Andy Stern from America, want you to do exactly what you are doing. They want you to destroy your own nations, so they can start all over building their ‘global empire’. You will not only NOT recieve any monies toward your pensions, but you will be dispoable to these aroogant, egotistical ‘leaders’. When did it happen, France? When did you stop fighting for your country and start fighting for greed? When did hard, honest work become the ‘enemy’? When did you stop manufacturing things? How long ago did France begin ‘relocating’ their businesses to foreign ‘unions’, so that their members could make the money you readily gave up with a ‘promise’ from your union leaders? When did you stop loving your country? ‘Unions’ didn’t invent the internet, cell phones, refrgerators or indoor plumbing. People did, and they will again. New technology won’t be shared with other countries for profit…it will be shared with patriotic people for survival. Don‘t be taken in by the empty promices of ’union leaders’, who could care less about you.

    Report Post »  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:45pm

    Cool thing is most here see what is coming. I love seeing awake Americans – we need more. I am trying to wake people up and still am shocked at how much apathy is out there. At least none here will be taken by surprise and panic.

    Report Post » bhelmet  
  • Prospero
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:44pm

    Avoid purchasing goods and services from union shops. Only 8% of American workers are unionized in the private sector. We can extinguish them using market forces, once we get a Congress that won’t just turn around and make us pay them with “bailout” money.

    Report Post » Prospero  
    • Dennisgl
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 7:13pm

      Do we still produce anything here in America?

      Report Post » Dennisgl  
  • Resolved
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:42pm

    Nope, we have to have our pensions and have them now. Never mind that we have NO MORE MONEY!

    Report Post » Resolved  
  • taxedenuf
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:40pm

    The French worker; an oxymoron if ever ther was one.

    Report Post »  
    • BQI
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:55pm

      PERFECT !

      Black Conservative Blog http://www.blackquillandink.com

      Report Post » BQI  
    • Skwerl E. Muckenfutch
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 3:21pm

      Other great political oxymora: government intelligence, Obama’s economic recovery, liberal republican, conservative democrat, Liberal Values, Honest Debate, Deficit Reduction, Intelligent Planning, Meaningful Legislation, Taxpayer Rights [we haven't had those since Woodrow sodding Wilson], Budget cuts, Constituent Concerns, Congressional Oversight, Fiscal Restraint, Believable Change, Deficit Neutral, Political Promise, Green Jobs, Chicago Politician, Public Option, Cost Containment.

      Report Post »  
  • AMERICANCITIZEN
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:34pm

    This is America’s future if we do not educate the people of this Great Country.
    Anybody that went to school should be able to comprehend, basic math!
    You can’t continue to put things on credit, and not pay,eventually you will have to pay the piper.
    These criminals in Washington want people to believe in the unbelievable (2+2=10-5=100)
    If this tactic does not work in average American home, how can it work in Washington?
    The answer is they are LYING!
    Wake up America ! This does not work!
    November is coming
    Congress you are FIRED!
    God bless America

    Report Post »  
  • LastManStanding1
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:33pm

    This is coming to America, Make sure to vote in November and take at least one person with you!

    Report Post » LastManStanding1  
  • Daniel12
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:31pm

    Workers of the world unite is the only way to get their pensions funded.

    Report Post » Daniel12  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:30pm

    Frenchman…retire? When did any of them ever work?

    Report Post »  
    • waywitty
      Posted on September 24, 2010 at 12:44am

      :) Your post made me laugh out loud! Thanks!

      Report Post » waywitty  
    • DHardt
      Posted on September 25, 2010 at 8:57pm

      I laughed at this comment till it hurt. Thank you for making my day :)

      Report Post » DHardt  
  • GardenoftheGods
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:29pm

    Time to suck it up union members…you are on an unsustainable path…shut your unions down and keep your dues in your pockets because they are driving you to the poor house. Union leaders are NOT your friends.

    Report Post » GardenoftheGods  
  • TexasGranny
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:28pm

    The same coming to the USA if we don’t make changes in 2010 and 2012. Major changes in attitude have to be made. Are we going to let the SEIU, AFL-CIO, etc. ruin our country? I say HE!! NO.

    Report Post »  
  • tatankachief
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:26pm

    Yes France, we hear you …. UNION WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE …

    and burn it all down. That’ll show everybody just how intellectually superior you are! Yeah, yeah we know it‘s kinda like cuttin’ your nose off to spite your face ………. but it’s the principle of the thing doggone it!

    Report Post » tatankachief  
  • JD Carp
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:26pm

    Keep a close eye on all this, we are next. Make an emergency kit, get a generator and some way to defend your home, family and self. Look at it this way, if nothing happens it doesn’t hurt to have any of these items in the house.

    Report Post » JD Carp  
    • Carolyn Queener
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 6:13pm

      JD Carp,
      You are so right.
      God help us all. People just don’t know what is coming.

      Report Post »  
    • Citizen
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 8:14pm

      and above all that – pray

      cause this quote is whats coming

      Isa 66:16
      For by fire and by his sword, will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

      Report Post »  
    • waywitty
      Posted on September 24, 2010 at 12:41am

      When researching automatic generators, the following occured to me: The power source that activates the automatic home generator is not the home’s electrical system, it is natural gas…which is pumped to the home by…electricity! Great if there’s a severe storm and the electricity goes out in my community, but if a terrorist attack takes out a large city‘s or state’s electrical systems, the “automatic” part of the generator is out, as well. Think I’m right? Gas company officials couldn’t answer my questions about this. Just a thought.

      Report Post » waywitty  
    • ru12
      Posted on September 24, 2010 at 5:01am

      RE: waywitty post
      did you also look into computer chips that would fail if ….. I love my old VW, er…. bicycle.

      Report Post »  
    • 30moves
      Posted on September 24, 2010 at 8:29am

      What bothers me the most is that the Police, Firefighters and EMTs are union workers. If riots break out here will they be rioting or subduing?

      Report Post »  
  • AMERICA4EVER
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:20pm

    What the hell do some people expect?!

    Report Post »  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:52pm

      Spain is currently pushing the U.N. agenda for a Global Tax to help them with their 22% unemployment rate. Their idea is that “Other Nations” need to help bailout those with Socialist Problems. Anybody want to guess just which nation is meant by “Other Nations”?

      Glenn Beck said on his radio show today, that what we are facing is either something as great as the Industrial Revolution OR something as deadly as the French Revolution. Wonder what the odds are in Vegas on the outcome of that contest.

      Report Post »  
    • smugsmiley
      Posted on September 24, 2010 at 1:41am

      “Anybody want to guess just which nation is meant by “Other Nations”?”

      Germany again, I’d wager.

      Report Post » smugsmiley  
  • Freelancer
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:16pm

    Coming to a venue near you – and soon….

    Report Post » Freelancer  
    • Aither
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 11:16pm

      I have seen this rhetoric years ago, and it was very frightening. It created a climate in which violent took place… *sob*

      Report Post » Huguenot Descendant  
  • broker0101
    Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:11pm

    I have seen our future, and it is France. Unless we turn this ship around.

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • BQI
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:25pm

      You spoke the words for me. THANKS. America needs to wake-up. These are Obama’s friends including SEIU and The Teamsters.

      Black Conservative Blog http://www.blackquillandink.com

      Report Post » BQI  
    • van
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:27pm

      You are exactly right, I don’t see how to avoid it because we are going to have to begin cutting the unions pensions, pay and power very quickly.

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 12:52pm

      Well said, Broker!

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • donbcg
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:07pm

      Actually, they have it easier. We will have a non committed leech group and the unions. Those who have subsisted on tax dollars, have no real leg in the game will rise as well. They have a million, ours will be millions.

      Scary to think about but as a nation we have looked the other way as generation after generation has used our Christian kindness to strip the cream off the top of the milk. The honey has grow sour and for some time we will have to grow accustomed to either self inflicted depression levels or government inflicted. Either way, the suffering and the pain we must endure hasn’t even started.

      Not to mention they already have a plan for us in 2025. http://www.foia.cia.gov/2025/2025_Global_Governance.pdf

      I suggest reading this and understanding one thing. This is the right hand, the left hand has the gun.

      donbcg  
    • wodiej
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:31pm

      I agree. Over raising the retirement age to 62? What a bunch of spoiled brats. The average American must work to age 65-67. This is ridiculous giving union members all these cushy benefits that can’t be funded so they can go get drunk on their lunch break. Must be why most American made cars are junk and overpriced.

      Report Post »  
    • duncan
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 2:04pm

      In world war 2 the French swept the streets and sidewalks for the Nazis so they wouldn’t get their boots dirty. Now they have to work until the age of 62 for their pension. Shame on those nasty Frog bureaucrats. I agree that we do not want the French system of government in America. Ok, Bardot was pretty hot in the 60′s I will give the French credit for that one…….but that’s it!!

      Report Post »  
    • V-Forge
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 3:17pm

      Too Late. This is already coming our way. I predict worse. Liberals in a corner hunt for blood when this stuff happens.

      V-Forge  
    • CNK
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 3:37pm

      What these union people don’t see, is the fact the if a country goes belly up, they too will go belly up. With or without their pensions.

      Report Post »  
    • roverkarlos
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 6:05pm

      This is such an exciting story! Isn’t it great to see those with the least power taking to the streets to defend there pensions! It kinda reminds me of the tea party movement: Honest, blue-collar people, exercising their right to a fair pension.

      Report Post »  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 6:21pm

      oh there will be H3LL to pay when the S**T hits the fan.. the only thing that will help out is we have a smaller portion of our populace in UNIONS.. I would suggest to prepare for those who UNIONS are supported by the government (not all unions are).. Since the UNION LEADERS have SECURE pension money we have to keep reminding union members of that and get them to TURN on their UNION bosses.. however best to keep your shelves stocked with enough food and beds to share with relatives in really violent area’s.. and hang in there, keeping weapons to protect your family would also help.. People do have the right to protest.. however, not to get violent..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • chubster
      Posted on September 23, 2010 at 11:21pm

      We can only HOPE to retire at 62. No wonder the French never get anything dode, they’er either on vacation or retired.

      Report Post »  
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