French CGT union threatens more protests over pensions plan

Empty platforms are pictured at Gare Montparnasse train station during a strike by all unions of French SNCF workers and the Paris transport network (RATP), as France faces its eleventh consecutive day of strikes against French government's pensions reform plans, in Paris, December 15, 2019. /Reuters Photo

France's CGT union threatened on Sunday to step up its protests unless the government withdraws its pension reform proposal this week.

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 64 years old- to get a full pension, drawing a hostile response from trade unions.

Concern has risen that the travel chaos that has hit the country since December 5 would extend to the year-end period.

"The CGT Federations of Railway, Transport, Mines and Energy, and Chemical Industries say that the Government has one week to announce the withdrawal of its project and the relaunch of real negotiations for the improvement of the current system," the union branches said in a joint statement.

"If the Prime Minister persists in affirming that 'the country is disturbed but not blocked', the employees of the public and the private sector will draw the conclusion from this that they must redouble their mobilization, multiply calls to strike in all companies and further increase the level of protests."

CGT leader Philippe Martinez denied that this was an ultimatum. Martinez was reported to say that everything will be fine if the government pulls its plan and discuss seriously on how to improve the system with union leaders, otherwise strikers will decide on Thursday or Friday on what to do.

Passengers walk past a TGV train at Gare Montparnasse train station during a strike by all unions of French SNCF workers and the Paris transport network (RATP), as France faces its eleventh consecutive day of strikes against French government's pensions reform plans, in Paris, December 15, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Will transport be disrupted at Christmas?

Asked if transport might be disrupted at Christmas, Martinez said: "Today I cannot tell you. The question should be put to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Republic."

On contrary, the reform-minded CFDT union said on Sunday it was opposed to transport strikes over the Christmas period but would call for action in January if the government did not meet some of its demands.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was reported to say that his door was open for talks and that he would meet unions next week.

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

(With input from Reuters)