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Strikes and demonstrations across France set to cause a month of disruption.

It looks like March could be a busy month for strikes, with refuse collector, teachers and doctors all planning action.  The CGT Union has also called for a day of action across all sectors.

On Thursday 11 March, doctors are taking a day of action and closing General Practice surgeries for twenty four hours.

On Friday 12 March, teachers are striking against cuts in funding.

Also on the Friday 12 March, refuse collectors are planning to start an indefinite strike, complaining about the one percent pay rise they received this year and an attempt to force an increase in the age of retirement.  A recent six day rubbish collectors strike in Marseille resulted in mountains of refuse piling up in the city’s streets.

Just to add to the chaos, the CGT has called for a National day of action on Tuesday 23 March.  They are planning a day of strikes and demonstrations across all sectors of the workforce, which if it goes ahead, could cause serious disruption across the whole country.

The day of action has been organised to highlight the lack of employment opportunities, low levels of pay and changes being made to pensions. 

A bill on pensions is due in September and the unions are trying to force the government to look favourably on certain jobs regarding the age at which people can retire.  The refuse collectors argue that their job is arduous and should therefore qualify for an earlier retirement age than say an office worker.

While these issues are being debated, be prepared for more strikes throughout the year in any sector of the workforce.  With the European economies struggling to emerge from recession, the number of disputes over pay, taxes and pensions is going to increase.

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