France to Hire Buses for Commuters as Strike Expands : Labor: Unions call on private sector workers to join the protest against the government austerity plan.

Faced with a massive strike that risks a shutdown of the French economy, the government said Sunday that it is hiring 1,000 private buses so millions of commuters can get to work.

Even the company that runs Paris’ famed Bateaux Mouches tour boats said it will provide free shuttle service along the Seine so “harassed Parisians” can get around. The three tour boats each have 1,000 seats.

Railroad, public transportation, postal and utilities workers have been striking for 10 days to protest the government’s austerity measures. On Sunday their leaders urged private-sector workers to join them today.

Employees of the French domestic airline Air Inter, the telephone company, tax and customs agencies had already decided to strike beginning today.

Nevertheless, the conservative government, determined to stick to its tough belt-tightening plan, is not backing down.

To slash its huge budget deficit, the government is freezing all wages for its 5 million public employees and extending by 2 1/2 years to 40 the number of years they must pay into the social security system before retiring. That would bring them in line with private-sector workers.

To get around the transport strike, fleets of buses will bring suburban commuters to a dozen points in Paris starting this morning, then bring them back in the evening, government spokesman Alain Lamassoure said.

The walkout by train, subway and bus drivers has had the most crippling effect. Commuters cannot get to work, department stores are empty in the peak Christmas shopping season and factories are idled by the lack of cargo normally shipped by train.

If private-sector workers join the strike, Prime Minister Alain Juppe’s austerity plan could be shelved and he may be forced to resign.

Most unions last weekend refused offers to discuss the plan, which they want rescinded outright.