Turkish unions have announced plans for a short strike and massive demonstration to protest a plan to raise the retirement age.

Revolutionary Labor Unions Confederation, Confederation of Public Employees Labor Unions, Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers & Architects, Turkish Medical Association and Turkish Dentists Association are among the labor organizations that have agreed to participate, Hurriyet reported.

Ismail Tombul, head of the public employee group, said at a news conference Friday that participants will stop working at 2 p.m. April 1 so they can attend rallies against the social security bill. He said another massive demonstration is planned for April 6 in Istanbul.

The bill, backed by the International Monetary Fund, would raise both the retirement age and the number of days participants would have to work to be eligible for benefits. The system has a deficit of $20 billion, the report said.

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