French Pension Reform Talks Falter as Major Unions Withdraw

The government's efforts to address retirement age and workplace hardship face setbacks, with ongoing protests and limited progress in negotiations.

Three major unions, including CGT, FO, and U2P, have withdrawn from the pension reform conclave, citing the government's refusal to revert the retirement age to 62.
The remaining five organizations, including CFDT and employer groups, continue discussions focused on workplace hardship and potential adjustments to the reform.
Public protests against the 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, have intensified, adding pressure on the government.
Prime Minister François Bayrou's government remains optimistic about achieving progress, despite the conclave being described by some as in a 'state of brain death.'
The reform, aimed at addressing long-term financial deficits in the pension system, faces uncertainty as political tensions and union opposition grow.