AT LEAST 806 000 PEOPLE PROTEST IN FRANCE ON CGT STRIKEAGAISNT PENSION REFORM

USPA NEWS - More than 806,000 people mobilized on Thursday in France, according to the Ministry of the Interior. The CGT Union, revealed as for it, the figure of 1.5 million people. And the strike continues this Friday. The strike is to be continuing "until Monday" to the RATP (French Metro) at lease. In the public transport network in the Paris region, the unions voted to extend the strike until Monday December 9th.The « Big Strike » against pension reform, also called "Greve Generale" took place today on December 5, in Paris and 30 other major cities in France. More than 600 police and guns were called on the continent to maintain public order during this great strike. The demonstration took place without violence, apart from some clashes that took place in the middle of demonstrations, in the Place e la Republique. Firefighters joined the strike and demonstration, especially in the city of Nantes to protest against the reform of retirement.

The « Big Strike » against pension reform, also called "Greve Generale" took place today on December 5, in Paris and 30 other major cities in France. More than 600 police and guns were called on the continent to maintain public order during this great strike. The demonstration took place without violence, apart from some clashes that took place in the middle of demonstrations, in the Place e la Republique. Firefighters joined the strike and demonstration, especially in the city of Nantes to protest against the reform of retirement. The unions are raising the pressure after a mobilization that was massive and very followed by the transport unions, (SNCF, Trains TER, Metros, Bus, Air France Airplane) of the national education, students, the public service, France TV , and even lawyers. The most worrying is the closure of 7 of the 8 oil refineries, which followed the strike, thus preventing the distribution of fuels------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public opinion has been favorable to this strike with 70% support. (Odoxa survey). It is the government's proposed reform of the abolition of special regimes and the introduction of a universal point-based pension scheme that is causing discontent. The Elysee (French Presidency) announced at midday that the "general architecture" of the reform would be unveiled next week.

THE BIG STRIKE IS TO BE CONTINUED“¦ According to the count of the government, more than 806 000 people have demonstrated in more than 100 cities in France against the pension reform. "This is a very strong mobilization in the public as in the private sector," said Philippe Martinez, General Secretary of the CGT, estimating that the figure of demonstrators reaches 1.5 million people throughout the country. In Paris, the procession was at least 65,000 people, according to the authorities, and 250,000 people, according to the CGT Union. According to the forecasts of SNCF and RATP, the situation will be similar to that of Thursday for the second day of unlimited strike. Regarding air traffic, airlines are expected to reduce their flight program by 20%. The strike at the SNCF and the RATP is renewed this Friday, December 6, 2019.. Friday could be more difficult to manage with the end of telework for some users and weekend starts for others. Regarding the trains, the detailed traffic forecasts were communicated to the SNCF. The company plans for this Friday only one TGV out of ten in circulation, 30% of TER insured (and replaced by buses called "Macron Bus" because the origin of the Macron law in 2016), 15% of the Transilien in circulation and "very disturbed" traffic on Intercités and international lines. With regard to metros in Paris, at the RATP, traffic forecasts are similar to those of December 5, with automatic lines saved (1, 14 and Orlyval) and 10 completely closed metro lines. The unions of SNCF and RATP have already indicated that they intend to continue the strike until Monday, December 9, 2019.

DURATION OF THE GENERAL STRIKE ANNOUNCED UNLIMITED BY ORGANIZERS------------------------------------- It is the government's proposed reform of the abolition of special regimes and the introduction of a universal point-based pension scheme that is causing discontent. The Elysee announced at midday that the "general architecture" of the reform would be unveiled next week.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As regards the education and consequently the parents of the students, the duration of the « Greve Generale » Big Strike of Dec 5th, whose organizers are very specific, speak of an unlimited duration, as long as they do not abolish their claims to the proportion of the project. rectifies the universal retirement. Some of the teachers (55% of strikers) will be on strike again on Friday, but neither the unions nor the ministry had predictions about the extent of the movement, which will vary from school to school.