Protesters let off flares at Paris train station

(23 Mar 2023) ++CLIENTS NOTE: VIDEO HAS BEEN UPDATED TO ADD MORE FOOTAGE - 11:20GMT 23 MARCH 2023++ ASSOCIATED PRESS Gare de Lyon, Paris - 22 March 2023 1. Flares being lit during demonstrations on train tracks 2. Various of protest march STORYLINE: Transportation workers blocked tracks at Paris's Gare de Lyon station on Thursday morning, as a part of mass strikes against the French government's controversial pension reforms. Footage captured by The Associated Press showed union members marching on tracks, lighting flares and carrying large flags and banners. French labor unions are holding their first mass demonstrations since President Emmanuel Macron forced a higher retirement age through parliament without a vote. Protesters have also blockaded bus stations, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and refineries. High-speed and regional trains, the Paris metro and public transportation systems in other major cities were disrupted. About 30% of flights at Paris Orly Airport were canceled. Thursday’s events were the ninth round of nationwide protests and strikes called by France’s eight main unions since January. The French leader said Wednesday that the government’s bill to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 must be implemented by the end of the year. =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...