French hardline union calls for more pension protests | One America News Network

Demonstrators march with banners and union flags during a protest against pension reform plans in Paris, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

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UPDATED 1:46 PM PT — Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Protesters in France are advocating for more strikes amid plans to reform the country’s pension system. The leader of prominent labor union ‘ La CGT’ is urging all workers to join the demonstrations this week.

Philippe Martinez: "Le discours d’Emmanuel Macron ? J'ai l'impression de l'avoir entendu 1000 fois. Le président est enfermé dans sa bulle. Il considère que tout va bien dans ce pays"#BourdinDirect 🎙️ https://t.co/rHDndqgHNc pic.twitter.com/jmlKnSpHZV

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The new year also brought the second month of strikes as protesters pushed back against the French president’s single system pension plan. The protests have yet to change his goals.

He reiterated his position on pension reform in a New Year’s Eve address earlier this week.

“Calm should always win against conflict. To calm down does not mean to give up, but to respect each other regardless of disagreements. My only guide is and will be the interest of our country, our capacity to guarantee the best pensions for our elders and the defense of those who don’t always have it easy, to have their voices heard, meaning our children.” – Emmanuel Macron, President of France

Macron said he believes a compromise can be made with union workers while still implementing his plans.

Metro workers march with during a protest against pension reform plans in Paris, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)