French Pension-Reform Plan Stirs Union Ire

The French government said it plans to increase the retirement age, setting up a battle with unions who want the French to continue retiring earlier than most other Europeans.

The government said it plans to introduce a bill to raise the retirement age from the current minimum of 60—though it didn't say to what age—and create a new tax on high earners, to try to fix the nation's debt-choked pension system.

Unions have scheduled a nationwide demonstration on May 27 to protest the proposed overhaul. (more)