On Tuesday an estimated 1.4 million people in France began protesting against the proposed raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64. Violence broke out in Paris, Rennes and Lyon, where police were forced to use tear gas and baton charges to try disperse the crowds. Airline flights, trains, schools, fuel deliveries and other daily essential services were disrupted. AP News reports a second consecutive day of protests aimed at women’s rights and the impact of the reforms on working mothers to coincide with International Women’s Day. Public transportation, oil deliveries and garbage collection remains stifled. Workers at Marseille, Rouen and Le Havre ports are protesting by blocking port access.
