I feel the need to write a quick blurb about the strike that occurred the other day in Paris because I noticed it made the international news. The people of France are very upset with the newest proposal to increase the number of years an individual most work before they can retire. The current law is set at 37 years of work before you can collect retirement. The new law is going to be 40 years.
I have become quite adjusted to the idea of the strike: Elise's teachers have struck a handful of times for various reasons that usually involve an injustice to another group of people. The sympathy strike. It's my favorite. And it almost always extends to the public transportation in one form or another. The RER B is a huge line that travels through the middle of the city from north to south. They are always sympathizing.
Fortunately for our family, Brian rides his bike to work and Elise and I walk to school. We are rarely affected by the striking and life proceeds as usual. However, this time was a kicker. A friend was in town Thursday and our big adventure for that night was to explore Musee d'Orsay for the extended evening hours; Thursday night they stay open until 9:30 which was perfect for Anne and I to go to after Brian got home from work. We slowly work our way to the city and walk over to the musee around 5:30 only to learn that, you guessed it, they canceled the extended hours due to lack of staff. Most of their people were out striking. Awesome! Welcome to Paris. Highest tourist time and they strike! You just got to love it!!!
My favorite strike was the garbage strike that lasted a week while I was living in Paris in (a long time ago!). Since garbage is collected every day in Paris, you can imagine the pile of everything that was piled up on the sidewalks! Finally, the soldiers had to come in for a couple of days. Whew.
ReplyDeleteLife in Europe;gotta love it!