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French Go on Strike for a Day

Work action halts transport, mail, radio; Sarkozy stands firm

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2008 9:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – France's five largest unions have launched a coordinated strike that has crippled bus, train, and airport links across the country. The BBC reports that postal services have been reduced and public radio stations are playing music instead of regular programming. The unions are protesting an effort by Nicolas Sarkozy's administration to make them work one extra year—41 instead of 40—before receiving a full pension.

Thousands of civil servants demonstrate during a one-day strike, in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Civil servants are on strike against government plans to extend retirement contributions to 41 years.
Thousands of civil servants demonstrate during a one-day strike, in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Civil servants are on strike against government plans to extend retirement contributions...   (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
Dockers and port workers join thousands of civil servants and demonstrate during a one-day strike, in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Civil servants are on strike against government plans to extend retirement contributions to 41 years, and dockers and port workers against government plans for the reform of...
Dockers and port workers join thousands of civil servants and demonstrate during a one-day strike, in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Civil servants are on strike against government...   (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
Thousands of civil servants demonstrate during a one-day strike, in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Civil servants are on strike against government plans to extend retirement contributions to 41 years.
Thousands of civil servants demonstrate during a one-day strike, in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Civil servants are on strike against government plans to extend retirement contributions...   (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
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