Another strike took place in France today, the third in the last two months. Transport and energy workers, teachers and civil servants, as well as some students took part in the strike against pension reforms. Unions say that around 3.5 million struck today, with the government putting the figure at around 1.23 million. The strike shut down many tourist sites and has delayed trains and planes across the country. Many believe that the strikes will not accomplish anything, but will only lead to President Sarkozy making minor changes to the legislation. The upper house passed the legislation on Monday, though opponents hope to slow it down through amendments. The bill will increase the retirement age for French workers.
See "French Strikes Disrupt Travel", Nicola Clark, The New York Times, October 11, 2010