French unions take to the streets on Tuesday in protest against a reform of the country's indebted pension system, with some disruption in transport expected but no mass upheaval against an overhaul seen as moderate in scope, reports Reuters.
The hardline CGT union has called for protests in 180 locations across France, joined by student unions and far-left groups that denounce a reform they say will penalize workers and make youths pay an unfair share of the burden.
But moderate unions did not join the calls, suggesting that reaction to oppose the reform is unlikely to resemble the uproar that former President Nicolas Sarkozy faced three years ago when he hiked the retirement age to 62 to from 60.
Socialist President Francois Hollande has taken a slowly- slowly approach to reform, increasing only slightly the size and duration of pension contributions as he sought a smoother passage through parliament, and less rage in the street.
"Why strike tomorrow?" Laurent Berger, head of the moderate CFDT trade union, told i>Tele news television. "Any amendments we are seeking, we can obtain them in parliament."
Read more of this report from Reuters.