Protests persist in France as workers obstruct Paris airport terminal.

During a countrywide day of protest, Charles de Gaulle airport faced disruption, trains were halted, and specific schools shut down.

During a nationwide day of protests, dissatisfied French workers hindered access to a Charles de Gaulle airport terminal in Paris. Unions escalated pressure on the government to repeal a law delaying retirement to 64, causing disruptions in trains, school closures, street garbage accumulation, and reduced electricity output.

Burning debris piles blocked traffic near Toulouse, creating smoke plumes, while other cities experienced brief wildcat strikes disrupting roads. A spontaneous protest near Terminal 1 of the airport, as confirmed by an Aéroports de Paris spokesperson, did not impact flights.

Scheduled protests are set to occur across France on Thursday. Additionally, oil depots have been singled out, and a liquefied natural gas terminal in Dunkirk has been obstructed.

Despite increasing dissatisfaction, President Emmanuel Macron declared on Wednesday that the legislation, which his government passed through parliament last week without a vote, will come into effect by the year’s end.

The president’s most impactful response is the millions striking and demonstrating,” said Philippe Martinez, leader of the steadfast General Confederation of Labour union. Since January, union-organized rallies have drawn massive crowds, protesting policy changes that accelerate the planned increase in the years required to work before receiving a full pension.