STORY: Opinion polls have for weeks shown that a majority of voters reject the reform, which would raise the pension age by two years to 64 among other measures, but the government intends to stand its ground and carry out the plans it says are essential to ensure the pension system does not go bust.

Commuters at Saint Lazare station in Paris encountered severe disruptions to metro and suburban rail traffic, but most supported the movement against pension reforms.

Transport Minister Clement Beaune said Tuesday's strike would be "one of the most difficult ones" for travelers.

Unions said they would increase pressure to try to convince lawmakers not to vote for the reforms, adding that rolling strikes, particularly at oil refineries and on the railways, could be prolonged over several days.