A massive strike is paralyzing Paris public transports on Friday as unions protest a sweeping pension reform by French President Emmanuel Macron's government.
Paris public transport company RATP says 10 metro lines are closed and several others, including the RER suburban rail, are severely disrupted. On platforms, messages in French and English were warning passengers of the strike, the biggest since 2007.
Trains that were still circulating were noticeably less crowded than usual, as authorities recommended people living in the Paris region to work from home or choose other means of transport.
Commuters wait to board a train, in Gare du Nord railway station, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Paris metro warns over major strike, transport chaos Friday. (AP PhotoThibault Camus)
The government website monitoring roads showed major traffic jams in and around the French capital.
RATP employees are protesting a pension reform planned for next year that is expected to make them work longer before retirement.
Commuters board a train, in Gare du Nord railway station, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Paris metro warns over major strike, transport chaos Friday. (AP PhotoThibault Camus)
Commuters wait to board a train, in Gare du Nord railway station, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Paris metro warns over major strike, transport chaos Friday. (AP PhotoThibault Camus)
A man stands in front of the closed gate of the Republique square metro station, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Paris metro warns over major strike, transport chaos Friday. (AP PhotoThibault Camus)