The pensions reform, which calls for a progressive raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64 years, will go into effect in September, extending the working years of French residents. Despite the objections of every union and almost 70% of the people, this change was implemented, sparking one of the most intense social protests in France in the past three decades.
After it was passed, the president, Emmanuel Macron, tried to placate the unions by starting a discussion about how to make working life better with a goal of creating a “Pact on Life at Work.” Although this is a good and important debate, its tardiness can only be bemoaned. Working better should come before working longer, as was specifically suggested by the Confédération française démocratique du travail (CFDT) in the discussion on the extension of life at work. Read more-
