France is experiencing major disruption because of a nationwide strike against the government's austerity measures. About 50 per cent of trains have been affected, flights disrupted and universities and schools closed in the 24-hour protest. According to official figures, some 450,000 workers have already marched in cities across the country, ahead of the main rally in Paris later today. Strikers are protesting against proposed plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. President Nicolas Sarkozy says reforms are needed to cope with an ageing population. Reports say the government is also looking to find 100 billon euros of savings in three years, and is planning cuts in the bloated civil sector.