PARIS - THE French parliament adopted a law on Thursday that
will allow people to work until 70 despite criticism from unions
and the opposition Socialists that it opens the way to push back
the official retirement age.
The government denies the law would force anyone to work beyond
the age of 65, the age at which French workers have hitherto been
obliged to retire, but says it will allow greater flexibility to
those who want to keep working.
The law, which was passed in the lower house earlier this month,
was passed by the Senate on Thursday.
Like other industrialised countries, France faces growing
pressure on its pension system and has been forced to increase the
period for which retirees pay pension contributions to 41 years
despite strong opposition from unions.
Under the current system, French workers can retire at the age
of 60 if they have paid contributions for a certain number of
years. The contribution period is set to rise from 40 to 41 years
by 2012. --
