MY FIRST STRIKE

Today I get to "work from home" because the French public transport system has gone on strike. This means that nearly all Metro trains, buses, trams, the RER and even intercity trains are not running (or running at such a severely reduced schedule you would be an idiot to even attempt to go near the stations). Basically the new President, Sarko, wants to have talks with these guys about changing their (extremely generous) retirement schemes (which were put in place in the 60's I think, and for one thing give retirement at 55).

Striking has a long history in France, and I think the French are particularly good at it. Nearly every weekend there is a manifestation (protest) for something.

Its interesting to see how much not having transport, particuarly in Paris, affects everything. Half of people (who don't own cars or bikes and live too far away to walk) can't get to work. Many schools are closed (meaning lots of parents have to take the day off anyway). The last major strikes were in the 90's and this went on for weeks. Now 1 day is a novelty, but I can imagine after even a few days where you can't get anything done, or go anywhere, is a major pain in the arse. As my bike got stolen, it would take me maybe 2 hours to walk to work. And there are the new free bikes but you have got an extremely small chance of bagging one.

So it will be interesting to see who capitulates, and if the trains run tomorrow......