Paris is seeing huge jams and
massive crowds on the few metro lines running as transport workers
strike against a planned pension reform.
Ten of 16 lines were shut and service on the others was severely disrupted.Many workers cycled, walked or stayed at home, while free rides were on offer on transport operator RATP's e-moped and Uber's e-bike and scooter networks.
The strike, the biggest since 2007, is the first big act against President Macron's plan for a universal pension.
It would replace dozens of different pension schemes for different professions.
Members of other professions including lawyers, airline staff and medical workers have called for more strikes starting on Monday.
There were 235km (145 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, officials said, more than double normal levels.
Local media showed photos of crammed platforms on four metro lines, where some trains were running.
RATP's three main unions have called the strike a "shot across the bow" for Mr Macron's reform plans.
Metro workers say the new universal pension would force them to work longer by taking away their right to retire early, negotiated decades ago to compensate for having to work long hours underground.
Meanwhile those retiring before 64 would receive a lower pension. For example someone retiring at 63 would receive five percent less.
On Thursday French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe insisted the reforms would be fair for everyone.
"We're going to construct a truly universal system where every euro paid in will provide the same rights for everyone, whether a labourer, a shop owner, a researcher, a farmer, a civil servant, a doctor or an entrepreneur," he said.
The French government wants parliament to vote on the plans early next year.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49686818