France’s massive strikes appeared to be losing momentum today as rubbish collectors in the southern city of Marseille went back to work and workers at three oil refineries voted to end their protest.
Striking bin workers in Marseille are starting to deal with rubbish that has piled up in the streets during two weeks of protests over plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62.
The FO union has voted to end the protest out of concerns over “hygiene and safety”.
Nine oil refineries are still blocked by strikers, but workers at three plants yesterday voted to return to work.
It is expected to take a few days for the refineries to return to normal operation.
About one in four gas stations in France has been shut, while trains and schools have also been affected by the strikes.