France braces for strikes that could bring the country ‘to a standstill’ for days on end

Protestors attend a demonstration against a deeply unpopular pensions reform, in Paris, France, on February 16, 2023. © Anne-Christine Poujoulat, AFP

Strikes against bitterly contested plans to reform pensions in France continue on Tuesday, and this time unions have upped the ante. Unlike previous walkouts, this week’s industrial action has no pre-arranged end date. With workers across multiple sectors expected to strike, life in France could grind to a halt for days on end. 

Teachers, gas and electricity workers, train drivers, and industrial workers are all expected to join strikes that begin on Tuesday, sparking national upheaval that could last for days on end.