France
The main trade union federations are uniting in a demonstration on 22 May to protest against the government's latest pension reforms. The unions want to see the pension system retained with retirement at 60, recognition of strenuous and dangerous work in terms of pension entitlement and more action to reduce the gender pensions gap.
Read more at > CFDT (FR)
And at > UNSA (FR)
All the major trade union organisations – including CGT, CFDT, FO, UNSA, CFE-CGC – along with student groups were involved in coordinated, nationwide strikes and protests on 19 January in opposition to government plans to reform the pensions system. Trade unions are opposed to the increase in pension age and years of contributions required to get a full pension. They cite the independent Pensions Advisory Council that says that the financing of the pensions system is not under threat. The trade unions have set out alternative plans, including measures to support workers in their fifties to
The CGIL, CSIL and UIL trade union confederations organised a joint demonstration on 13 April in protest at government plans to reform the pensions system. The unions point out that billions have already been cut from the system and that public sector workers are set to lose out in particular from the proposed changes. A key change will affect early retirement. [Read more at > FP-CGIL (IT)->http://www.fpcgil.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/22047] [And at > FP-CISL (IT)->http://www.fp.cisl.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2910:manifestazione-sulle-pensioni-bonanni
Local government unions are unhappy about proposals to end early retirement provisions in the local government pension scheme. The government argues that the changes are necessary in the light of age discrimination but unions are not convinced and are considering what action to take in response to the announcement that the rule change would take effect in October 2006. The rule allows workers to retire on a full pension if their age and service add up to 85. Read more at > UNISON
