France braces for ‘Black Thursday’ general strike over pension changes

Union leaders call for ‘massive mobilisation’ to oppose latest attempt to overhaul pension system

France is braced for widespread chaos as unions and protesters call for a “Black Thursday” general strike this week against the government’s pension changes.

The day of action will be the first major test of the public’s resolve to force President Emmanuel Macron to back down over plans to raise the official retirement age, and his minority government’s resolve to stand up to them. Union leaders have called for a “massive mobilisation”.