Unions vow to shut France’s economy down amid pension battle

A woman walks past ‘No retirement at 64’ posters in Saint Pee sur Nivelle, south-western France (AP)

Unions are threatening to shut down France’s economy this week in what they hope is their toughest riposte yet to President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise the retirement age.

The first action is expected on Monday, as truckers are being urged to block major roads and interchanges in go-slow actions dubbed “escargot” operations.