French people on strike over President Macron's government's pension reform threaten to ruin British King Charles' visit to France on Sunday for a three-day visit, POLITICO reports..

Trade unions across industries have been on strike for weeks now, and a general strike was called today, joined by workers from the Mobilier National, a department of the culture ministry tasked with maintaining official buildings, including the Champs Elysees, the residence of the French president..

“We are fully aware that at the end of the week the King of England will be welcomed in France, and that our services will be needed. Although it is against protocol, they will have to do without us,” the union said, adding that they would not deal with furniture or red carpets..

At the same time, public broadcaster FranceInfo, citing sources, said the king is likely to be given his usual lavish reception as workers who did not join the strike have already brought the red carpet to the Champs Elysees..

Massive protests again took place in France on Thursday.

People demanded that the government cancel the pension reform, which caused a flurry of discontent, and criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for passing it in parliament.

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Strikes affect sectors such as public transport, schools, energy and oil refineries. In Paris, protesters began to gather in the Place de la Bastille - the site where the French Revolution began - in the smoke of grilled sausages and firecrackers, and accompanied by loud French rap.

Only one of four TotalEnergies refineries is currently operating in France.. The rest are working at half their capacity..