Workers striking in protest at proposed French pension reforms disrupted fuel deliveries and refining operations at several sites operated by TotalEnergies and Esso on Tuesday while power supply was also reduced. A total of 9.9 gigawatts (GW) of electricity production from nuclear, thermal and hydropower stations was removed from the grid due to the strikes, an EDF spokesperson said.
This is a critical time for both sides since the government is hoping the pension changes will be adopted by parliament by the end of the month. Looking to pile pressure on lawmakers, France's more hardline unions said there would be rolling strikes this time, which could go on for days, including at oil refineries and on the railways.
Trade unions in France launch a third wave of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron's proposed pension reform plan, a day after the controversial bill began its passage through parliament.
Strikes have been taking place since mid-January as unions protest against the government’s plans to make people work longer before retirement. Public transport and schools have also been affected.