Strikes to specifically target transportation and tourism

Trade unions across France have announced their intent to stage coordinated strikes specifically targeting tourism and transportation - including airlines and airports - on 7 March 2023 to protest pension reforms proposed by President Emmanuel Macron.

Jean-Luc Melenchon of hard-left political party La France Insoumise - who came a close third in the last presidential election - has warned that the unions will "block everything" on 7 March.

Mr. Macron's reforms would raise the retirement age for some workers gradually from 62 to 64 by 2027, and would increase pension-fund contributions required of workers from 41 to 43 payments per year.

During the last previous countrywide strike on 16 February, according to the Interior Ministry 440,000 protesters participated (unions claim 1.3 million) and 30% of scheduled flights from Orly Airport were canceled.

The UK FCDO has warned its citizens that the 7 March strike may begin the evening before and continue into the morning after.