2010 Strikes, France

The 2010 strikes in France are a series of ongoing general strikes and demonstrations in France which have occurred during September and October 2010. They have involved union members from both the private and public sectors protesting in cities, including Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Paris and Toulouse, against a proposal by the French government to raise the country's retirement and full state pension ages (from 60 to 62 and 65 to 67, respectively), which the Assemblée nationale has approved. Those who object to the changes say the poorest will be most affected by them.
The strikes have been compared to the popularly supported 1995 strikes in France, with 70% of respondents to one poll suggesting that the 2010 strikes would swell into a national movement akin to 1995, and a majority expressing support for such an event. CGT secretary Bernard Thibault commented to La Chaîne Info: "There have never since 1995 been as many protesters ... from both the public and private sectors, and now from all generations. The government is betting on this movement deteriorating, even breaking down. I think we have the means to disappoint them."