French strikes hit airlines, trucking, gas pumps

Shortages (emphasis here) and social disruption arise quickly when Frances proposes to increase the retirement age to 62 from 60. The could easily happen in the United States as society, already stricken with the consequences of the bursting of the credit bubble, says enough is enough to direct, highly visible solutions. Of course, social responses such as these only further entrenches quantitative easing (QE) or currency devaluation as the preferred, indirect tool too minimize the excessive debt burdens of western economies.

Airlines flying into France were ordered to slash schedules — and to bring enough fuel for the trip out. Gas stations ran short or dry, while truckers jammed highway traffic Monday by driving at a snail's pace, a tactic known in French as "operation escargot."

Strikes over the government's plans to raise the retirement age to 62 from 60 disrupted daily life and a wide swath of industry — from oil refining to travel to shipping — as protesters fought a proposal they say tampers with the near-sacred French social contract.

Source: news.yahoo.com