French unions are staging a national day of strikes and demonstrations in opposition to the government's pension reforms - the third in a month. The five union organisations involved - CFDT, CFTC, CGT, FSU, Solidaires & UNSA - say the dispute is ‘entering a decisive phase’. Ministers want to raise the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62, and the state pension age from 65 to 67 and are pressing on with legislation in the French Senate despite massive popular support for the union position. Polls show over 66% against the austerity driven reforms.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11520220
