The reformist CFDT union welcomed the move, which Labour Minister Eric Woerth said would benefit about 130,000 mothers. But the communist-led CGT union vowed to go ahead with the transport strikes and called an open-ended walkout in the petrochemical industry from Oct. 12 against the pension reform.

“This shows there is still room for movement, and that our mobilisation can still move the battle lines on a bill which we were told was perfect,” CGT General Secretary Bernard Thibault said.

Unions at flag carrier Air France said they would join Tuesday’s 24-hour strike. Strikers are also blocking France’s key oil port and stoppages spread to the refining sector on Thursday in protests that have pushed European gasoline prices to a five-month high.


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