French strikers extend stoppage, PM urges talks
Monday, 19 November 2007
PARIS, Nov 18 (Reuters): French rail workers intensified their strike yesterday after voting to pursue their action against pension reforms until at least Monday, despite a move by the government to open the door to talks with some unions.
Saturday was the fourth day of the strike and no easing was expected before a planned November 20 strike by public sector workers, despite a 'return to work' call from one moderate union and a tentative offer of talks from the state rail company SNCF.
The SNCF said only 180 fast TGV trains ran Saturday compared with 250 Friday and 700 on a normal Saturday. Regional and freight train operations and the Paris metro were also disrupted. On Sunday, 250 TGV trains are scheduled to run.
Saturday was the fourth day of the strike and no easing was expected before a planned November 20 strike by public sector workers, despite a 'return to work' call from one moderate union and a tentative offer of talks from the state rail company SNCF.
The SNCF said only 180 fast TGV trains ran Saturday compared with 250 Friday and 700 on a normal Saturday. Regional and freight train operations and the Paris metro were also disrupted. On Sunday, 250 TGV trains are scheduled to run.