Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Today (Dec. 17) the Eiffel Tower in Paris has been closed while workers remain on strike in France. According to the Associated Press, Tuesday marked the 13th day of protests as citizens are at odds with the French President Emmanuel Macron and many other grievances, including raising the retirement age to 64.
Thousands of workers have been flooding the streets of French cities for the past 13 days as a part of united in walkouts and protests the new proposed retirement reform. Hospital staff, schoolteachers, Air France staff, train and taxi drivers, and many other jobs in the French workforce included in the strike.
Many tourists have been affected by train and subway systems workers going on strike, with major tourist attractions being closed. The Press Herald has reported that French union activists cut electricity to nearly 100,000 homes or offices. Parisian families face delayed or limited transportation, including shut down medical facilities and schools as teachers and medical staff join the protest.
The Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe confirmed that new negotiations with unions will take place on Wednesday, however the president is adamant in his decision to raise the retirement age in France to 64.
Photos via: AP