Strikes: The National Sport of France

I don't know how many articles mention the word "Greves" (strikes) when you open the newspaper in here. It must be more than half. It must be said that everyone in this country is on strike right now.

The most devastating is the SNCF (train) strikes, which are keeping most of us from traveling. You see, back when running a train was a really hard, physical job involving coal shoveling and lots of danger, the workers used to get a break. To retire with full pension from the government in this country, you need to work a full forty years--not a day less. The train workers used to only have to work 37.5 years (I have no idea where they got that number), but that changed in the past year because the trains are electric and quite easy to run.

However, many of the workers are quite pissed that they will be working an extra 2 1/2 years, so I guess they started their retirement early by striking. So, although some trains are running, most are late or not moving at all. This country is at a stand still and it kind of sucks--I can only hope this all clears up before my parents get here. I'm sure it will...

Good job, guys.

Additionally, the students are on strike as well. I'm not sure what they have to complain about--seeing as a university education only costs them 200 euros a semester. That being said, I guess there were some reforms that they were not happy with. As a result, all my friends who have class at Lyon 2 (the university I opted not to go to because they have no Philosophy courses), haven't had class for a few days because the students are blocking the campus. Apparently it's kind of a big deal--they stack desks, chairs, etc up to the top of the 20-foot doorway and if anyone goes near them, they tackle them to the ground.

I'm safe and secure at my private school away from that stuff. I will continue to have classes even if Lyon 2 shuts down permanently, I will be safe in my school from the drama. That being said--it would have been nice to get a couple days off.

Also, I hear the Hollywood writers are on strike in Hollywood. You may all find this silly until you hear that lawyers, (one of the best paying jobs in France), are also on strike. Yep, they want more money, too. The inherent socialism in France's politics/social system has driven this country into so much debt--and it also makes people think that the government owes them something. For once, it's not looking so good.

These people mean business

Everyone else is striking, too. It doesn't really impress anyone at this point. Oh well, as long as I can get my baguette for the day and I can get to school just fine, I'm a happy camper.