French crowds march as government stands firm on pension reform (Photo: France24)

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Tuesday that he would push ahead with an overhaul of France's pension system, on the eve of talks with unions which have staged nearly two weeks of transport strikes against the reform.

"My determination, and that of the government and the majority, is total," Philippe told parliament, as tens of thousands took to the streets to march against plans to create a unified pension system.