Transit strike over benefits overhaul

Transport workers shut down most trains in Paris, testing the patience of residents forced to walk, bike or skate to work with a strike aimed at derailing President Nicolas Sarkozy's plan to end special retirement benefits that he says hurt France's competitiveness.

Sarkozy called on unions to enter talks.

Both the state train authority, which began its strike Tuesday night, and the Paris transport system announced a fresh day of walkouts today.

Only 90 of 700 trains ran Wednesday.

Utilities workers and employees of opera houses are among others who would lose benefits under Sarkozy's proposal.