More than one million French workers have taken to the streets to protest against austerity measures planned by President Nicolas Sarkozy's government. The rallies came as a 24-hour national strike disrupted flight and rail services and closed schools. Activists are angry at government plans to overhaul pensions and raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. Union leaders say more strikes and protests are possible if the government fails to give an adequate response.France's retirement age is lower than many countries in Europe. Labour Minister Eric Woerth introduced the pensions bill to the National Assembly, warning of dire consequences if it did not pass.Under current rules, both men and women in France can retire at 60, providing they have paid social security contributions for 40.5 years – although they are not entitled to a full pension until they are 65. The government says it will save 70 billion Euros by raising the retirement age to 62 by 2018