French workers striking in September 2010. (Creative Commons)

Railroad and oil refinery workers extended their strike, which began on Tuesday. Many feared the strike would disrupt French fuel supplies, but Total, a company that owns seven of the refineries affected, said the operation proceeded as normal Thursday.

Students at high schools across the country also joined in on the strike, disrupting classes and even blockading some schools.

Government pension reforms started the open-ended protests. The change in retirement age from 60 to 62 is the sticking point. The reforms have already received approval in Parliament, but still must pass the Senate before the reforms become law.

On Wednesday, more than 1 million people protested, shutting down 10 of the 12 oil refineries. That figure was down from Tuesday, which saw more than 3 million people walk off the job.

Each day, workers vote on whether or not to continue the strike.

Read more about the strike here.