Pension reform defiance brings new blood to French trade unions

FILE PHOTO: Protesters, holding CGT labour union flags, attend a demonstration during the ninth day of nationwide strikes and protests against French government's pension reform, in Nice, France, March 23, 2023. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - France's unions may have failed to derail President Emmanuel Macron's push to raise the retirement age, but they are reaping big gains in new members thanks to the months-long battle.

Hydroelectric plant worker Jeremy Bensa joined the hardline CGT after he and co-workers in his unit at state power group EDF took turns downing tools over 45 days in protest against Macron's move to raise the retirement age by two years to 64.