Sarkozy's retirement reform lead to a collapse in French traffic by Ivana Svinciakova

Trade unions are organizing a strike in France as a reaction to the intentions of their prezident Nicolas Sarkozy. He is trying to change the old retirement system that is in use since the second world war and allows the employees in some sectors to retire after 37.5 years of service. According to Xavier Bertran, Minister of Labour, if this reform doesn't get implemented today the future funds will be not sufficient to pay the rent in 10 or 15 years. The government is calling for a new system that would be more effective, fair and future oriented. First of all, the reform wants to move the retirement age higher - fixing the border at the minimum of 40 years. To carry out this kind of change doesn't leave the Trade Unions passive, especially not in France where they hold a strong position. Besides, the plans to raise the retirement age concern some 500.000 public sector workers. The strike started on Tuesday in rail sector and was followed by transit, gas and electricity workers. Only a fraction of vehicles is in service which is causing a tremendous slow down. French journals warn that this strike miht run until the 20th of november when there's planned another strike organized by state employees and teachers.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071114/ap_on_re_eu/france_strike;_ylt=AhvHchvpJY5LIDS1Htau6nqs0NUE

by Ivana Svinciakova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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