As of 30 December 2019, trade unions have entered the 26th consecutive day of strikes against a proposed pension reform. Although conditions have improved since the beginning of the strike, transportation disruptions continue across the country. National rail operator Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF) announced that 50% of long-distance TGV trains are currently operating; however, suburban Transilien trains and Transport express regional (TER) trains continue to operate at 25% and 40% capacity, respectively. In Paris, the Réseau Express Régional (RER) continues to operate at a significantly reduced level, with most trains offering rush hour services between 0630-0930 local time (0530-0930 UTC) and 1630-1930 local time. Eurostar announced that it would also operate on a limited timetable until 3 January 2020.
On 28 December 2019, approximately 4,500 people gathered in Paris to participate in a protest against proposed pension reforms. Protesters marched from Gare du Nord station to the Place du Châtelet. Police officers fired tear gas near the Pompidou Centre after protesters set fire to trash cans, established barricades in the road and threw projectiles at police officers. Authorities arrested at least six people during the demonstration. Additional protests occurred throughout France, including in Bordeaux, Caen, Nancy and Toulouse.
