Thousands in Paris protest pension reform plan

PARIS — Thousands of protesters opposed to the French government’s plan to revamp the retirement system marched through Paris on Saturday, the 24th day of crippling strikes.

In an unusual gesture, unions organizing the march asked yellow vest protesters to join them.

The march coincided with the 59th consecutive Saturday of marches by the yellow vest movement that seeks social and economic justice.

Brief scuffles marred the union march as individuals, some wearing masks, burned construction materials along the route.

President Emmanuel Macron wants to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 and rid the complex system of 42 special categories.

The strikes have disrupted transport, hobbling Paris Metros and trains across the country as well as businesses.