France's prime minister defies unions with pension overhaul

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Strikes against pension reform may have brought parts of France to a standstill for days,

But French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe defied the strikes on Wednesday (December 11) with plans for an overhaul of France's pension system.

He said France would replace a system of 42 separate state-funded plans with something universal and points-based system.

This would apply to those entering the job market for the first time in 2022.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRIME MINISTER, EDOUARD PHILIPPE, SAYING:

"The time has come to build a universal pension system."

Under the proposals, the legal retirement age would stay at 62

But workers would be incentivised to work longer through a system of bonuses and discounts.

There would be a minimum pension of 1000 euros per month for those who worked a full career.

Reforming France's pension system has proven a tough task for past governments.

A strike by public sector workers over the last week has crippled France's transport network, closed schools and forced the cancellation of some flights.

The unions showed no sign of backing down.

The head of hardline French CGT union Philippe Martinez called the reforms a 'joke'.

CGT also said conditions are in place to harden strikes against pension reform.