Parisians Protest Pension Cuts
Ooh la la! Parisians take to the street to protest proposed pension cuts. (Fresh in the memory of many New Yorkers, transit workers stateside went on strike in late 2005 for similar reasons. Read the CNN account entitled "Union votes to end New York transit walkout.")
Over a week ago, Gallic transportation employees said "no" to suggested cuts in their pension benefits. BBC News reports that "Opinion polls suggest voters back the French leader's plans to reform 'special' pensions which allow transport and utility workers to retire early, but a majority sympathises with civil servant grievances." While French President Nicolas Sarkozy holds firm, large crowds of teachers, hospital workers, air traffic controllers and postal clerks actively sympathize. Click here to read more about what is being described as a massive strike. The video below presents the opposing point of view.
The outcome will speak volumes for France and other countries, struggling to achieve greater economic growth, at the same time that unions seek to protect workers' rights.
