Earlier strikes paralysed the French transport system

Most air and rail transport services throughout the country were operating normally on Thursday.

The strike comes as Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin tries to push the reforms through parliament despite fierce opposition from Socialist and Communist MPs.

The government argues that the reforms, which involve increasing the number of years employees must work to get full pensions, are essential to cope with France's growing number of older people and a shrinking workforce.

It hopes to have the reforms on the statute books before the parliament's summer recess.

Buses and metro services in the capital Paris are working almost normally, and traffic congestion is no worse than on non-strike days.

What French people think of the pension reforms and strikes In pictures

However, commuters in the southern cities of Marseille and Toulouse are said to be experiencing some difficulties.

There is also some disruption on regional rail services.

Air traffic controllers are mostly at work, and the strike appears to be having little effect on flights.

Teachers have joined the action, in their 12th day of strikes combining pension protest with a campaign against government plans to decentralise the national education system.

'Social dialogue'

Transport Minister Giles de Robien praised employees who worked despite the strike for their "great wisdom", adding that costs to the ministry amounted to 200m euros.

I have the impression that Mrs Thatcher's spirit is moving through the corridors of Matignon Bernaud Thibault CGT union leader

But the leader of the communist-backed CGT union, Bernard Thibault, accused Mr Raffarin of emulating former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher's efforts to curb union power in the 1980s.

"I have the impression that Mrs Thatcher's spirit is moving through the corridors of Matignon [the prime minister's residence]," AFP news agency quoted him as saying.