Fears of fuel shortages add to Sarkozy’s strike woes

FRENCH unions have vowed to keep up the pressure on President Nicolas Sarkozy over his plan to raise France’s retirement age to 62.

The president has refused to back down despite a wave of strikes that hit key services and sent out a scare over fuel shortages.

In a last ditch effort in what is likely to be a make-it-or-break-it week, rail unions called for new public transport strikes starting tomorrow, when a sixth round of nationwide demonstrations are planned.