France strike resumes amid ongoing pension reform

French citizens continued to protest the government reforms in the pension system on Thursday. This is the ninth nationwide strike. People have been protesting since 5 December.
Workers’ unions are unhappy with president Emanuel Macron‘s plans to simplify the existing pension system, that currently consists of more than 40 different schemes, and which Macron sees as unfair and too costly. Trade unions fear people will be forced to work longer for smaller pensions.
The new scheme implies introduction of a €1,000 minimum monthly pension for those who have worked a full career; mandatory minimum retirement age of 62; and bonus system to encourage people to work till the age of 64.
Under the new rules, the worker will receive a lower pension if they were self-employed for a while, or had health issues that prevented them from working for some period.
Macron’s pension reform was, however, accepted by his cabinet and submitted for approval by the National Assembly.
Due to the national strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed today. The unions demand the complete withdrawal of the reform law.