France faces crippling Christmas transport disruption after the leaders of nationwide protests against controversial pension reforms refused to back a truce.
Strikes that hit the country on December 5 have devastated the public transport system and forced millions to source alternative ways to travel.
A statement by some of the major unions claimed they were “supported by a growing majority of the population demand that the government completely withdraw the plan without delay”.
“If it is not pulled, there will be no truce,” they said. Not all unions are threatening to strike over Christmas.
In Paris, only half of the 16 metro lines were running Wednesday, with most of the rest offering limited services. Airports across the country on Tuesday reporting issues as the strikes hit with Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Air France among those to report cancelations.
Earlier this month air traffic controllers and grand staff joined the protests, which saw roughly a fifth of flights at major French airports cancelled.
The national rail operator has promised a seat for each passenger who bought a holiday ticket on high-speed trains for the weekend although many will face time and date changes, and disruptions are still expected on regional lines. The Eurostar has also had its services slashed.
The government wants to work out a truce before Christmas or risk inflaming an already angry public.
President Emmanuel Macron says he will not abandon the pension plans, which include merging 42 separate pension regimes into one universal points-based system and encouraging people to work until 64 rather than the legal requirement age of 62, although he had suggested they could be improved.
Train drivers for the state company can retire just after 50 and enjoy more pensions that private sector workers.
Philippe Martinez, head of France’s CGT union, said the government needed to pull its plans and “seriously” contemplate how they could improve the pension system.
When asked earlier this week if transport could be disrupted at Christmas, he said: “Today I cannot tell you. The question should be put to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Republic.”
“When all the unions say ‘We do not want this reform’, the government should have a rethink,” said told demonstrators. “They need to open their eyes and unblock their ears.”
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Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
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