French union calls for break in transport strikes over Christmas

Commuters wait to take a train at Gare du Nord train station during a strike by all unions of French SNCF workers and the Paris transport network (RATP), as France faces its 10th consecutive day of strikes against the government's pension reform plans, in Paris, December 14, 2019. /Reuters Photo

France's moderate CFDT union is opposed to transport strikes over the Christmas period but will call for new actions in January if the government does not drop a pension reform proposal that would encourage more years of work, its leader said on Sunday.

In a major overhaul of its pension scheme, the French government has proposed that people work two years longer – from the existing 62 years old to a proposed 64 years old – to get a full pension, drawing a hostile response from trade unions who said they would step up strike action to force an about-face.

The reform-minded CFDT had stayed out of the strike, which has caused travel chaos across the country since December 5. But it said a "red line" had been crossed and called on members to join mass protests on Tuesday.

"Let's be clear: CFDT railway workers do not want a blockage during the holidays. Then in January if the text has not changed, the CFDT will continue to mobilize," CFDT Secretary General Laurent Berger was quoted by Journal du Dimanche as saying.

People ride bicycles during rush hour as a strike by all unions of the Paris transport network and French SNCF workers entered its seventh consecutive day in Paris, December 11, 2019. /Reuters Photo

"We should not make users pay the bill. It would be unbearable if they could not spend this holiday season with their loved ones. We have to break the deadlock," he also said.

In contrast, the hardline CGT union on Thursday had warned that there would be no break for Christmas unless the government dropped the whole pension reform plan.

It's reported that Prime Minister Edouard Philippe would meet unions next week and asked everyone to take responsibility ahead of Christmas.

"I don't think the French would accept that some people could deprive them of this moment," Philippe said.

SNCF security guard stands by a TGV train at Gare du Nord train station during a strike by all unions of French SNCF workers and the Paris transport network (RATP), as France faces its 10th consecutive day of strikes against the French government's pension reform plans, in Paris, December 14, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Junior economy minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Saturday that the proposal to encourage people to work until 64 through a system of bonuses and discounts could still be negotiated.

French retailers and hoteliers have warned that their crucial Christmas season could be derailed if the transport strike drags on for much longer.

On Saturday, France reeled under a crippling public transport strike for a 10th day, as nine metro lines in the capital remained closed and only 60 percent of the bus services were running.

(With input from Reuters)