France’s CGT Union Plans Strike This Week in Energy Sector

The energy branch of France’s CGT union called for a 48-hour strike starting Jan. 26 as well as a 72-hour action from Feb. 6, in addition to the day of coordinated protests labor unions have agreed on for Jan. 31.

(Bloomberg) —

The energy branch of France’s CGT union called for a 48-hour strike starting Jan. 26 as well as a 72-hour action from Feb. 6, in addition to the day of coordinated protests labor unions have agreed on for Jan. 31.

Actions by French strikers disrupted the delivery of fuels from three oil refineries operated by TotalEnergies SE on Thursday. That was also the day more than a million people took to the streets, led by labor unions opposing President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to eliminate deficits in the pension system by raising the minimum retirement age to 64 from 62. 

Read more: Macron Faces Prolonged Battle Over Pensions as Unions Dig In

In addition to the strike, the CGT energy branch said it wouldn’t rule out discussing other actions with strikers, including supplying free energy, targeted power cuts, or measures that could hamper operations at LNG terminals and gas storage facilities.

The CGT’s oil branch had already announced, on Jan. 11, the extra strike days that are meant to get progressively more serious.  

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