Commuters in France have been suffering from a lack of fuel for three weeks. The strikes at the fuel depots could spread. Local transport is also being targeted by the unions. Economics Minister Le Maire poured fuel on the fire and declared the talks over.
In view of the ongoing strikes in French refineries and fuel depots, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has called for an end to the blockade. It’s time to “liberate the camps and the refineries,” Le Maire told broadcaster BFM. At the beginning of the week, three out of seven refineries and five large fuel depots out of 200 nationwide were still on strike. “The time for negotiations is over,” said Le Maire. “Our country needs determination and authority to restore law and order,” Le Maire said, referring to service commitments at several fuel depots.
The government resorted to legal coercion again in the morning, obliging seven workers to work at two fuel depots to improve service at the petrol stations. “We’re doing this for the French, not against the strikers,” said Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher. “This is absolutely necessary for people to be able to go to work,” she added.
The strikers are demanding a 10 percent pay rise from Total Energies to offset inflation and get a share of the company’s profits. The company has so far offered seven percent more salary and various bonuses. Two unions support the compromise, while the CGT rejects it. “Management does not seem ready to return to the negotiating table,” said CGT representative Eric Sellini.
On Sunday, according to the government, 30 percent of the gas stations were still missing one or more types of fuel. In the greater Paris area, 42 percent of the petrol stations were affected. Many people who rely on their cars are currently spending hours finding open gas stations and waiting in long lines.
For tomorrow, Tuesday, several unions have called for strikes in other sectors, including the railways, local public transport in Paris, nuclear power plants and daycare centers. The unions do not rule out extending the strike. At the weekend, the two-week autumn break begins across the country. The strikes in the French oil industry have been going on for three weeks. Commuters, taxi drivers, nurses, craftsmen, ambulance drivers and driving instructors are among the hardest hit groups.
