France labor strikes

Multiple protests in France over the government’s plans to raise the retirement age to 62 brought travel to a standstill for several days in late October.

Work stopped at oil terminals in ports and at fuel refineries, preventing deliveries to gas stations and practically halting traffic in multiple cities. There were strikes by subway workers and air traffic controllers throughout the month. Train service was disrupted or reduced.

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and Arc de Triomphe all closed on Oct. 2 when about 500,000 people throughout the country clogged the streets in protest marches. 

The legislation was passed on Oct. 26 and many strikes ended, but further protests by labor unions were planned.