French Senate Passes Controversial Reform Bill, At Last.

French Senate has approved President Nicolas Sarkozy's controversial pension reform bill amid mass strikes, fuel blockades and riots. French now will retire at the age of 62, instead of 60. French unions, as their mood suggests, are not willing to give up and have decided to continue their protests and strikes.


Bernard Thibault, leader of the powerful CGT union, called for further days of protest, likely to take place on October 28. “There is no treason at all to stop,” he told RMC Radio. “There is no other alternative while the government remains intransigent.” Even before the passage of the law, French union had asked for the protests on November 6 as well.




Trade Unions in France are considered very powerful. In the recent protests, the unions have been successful in bringing hundreds of thousands of people on the streets. They have demonstrated an ability to mobilize a great number of supporters and some 70 % of the population, according to polls, backs their protests and strikes. Continuous strikes has affected the transport system, supply of fuels and other areas of life in entire France.



Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, had vowed to pass the bill at any cost. The bill, no matter how controversial it has been, now is passed from the senate. Now one wonders in what ways the unions are going to respond? Next couple of days, will make it clear.