French trade unions mobilise over restructuring in the energy sector

on strike EPSU logo

(10 December 2020) EPSU stands in solidarity with French trade unions in the energy sector CGT Mines-Énergies, CFE-CGC Énergies, FO Énergie et Mines and FCE-CFDT that are mobilising against massive restructuring plans in the multinational energy companies ENGIE and EDF. This action takes place after a first successful one organised last month.

Trade unions denounce the “Hercule” plan to split the EDF group into two entities, separating the nuclear and hydro generation activities from renewable energy generation, sales, energy services and distribution. Trade unions regret that this project is being implemented for financial reasons without any long-term strategic vision that is vitally needed to pursue Europe’s energy and climate targets. A similar project is about to be implemented in the ENGIE group with the recent announcement by management of its intention to split the group into two entities which are yet to be defined.

Trade unions are mobilising to defend jobs and the public energy sector, demanding the suspension of the companies’ restructuring projects. The unions argue that, if implemented, the plans will endanger the future of employees and the French energy sector with little consideration of the disastrous social consequences.

EPSU stands with EDF, ENGIE workers and their unions in this fight against the dismantling of the French public energy sector. Production, distribution and access to energy should remain common good and treated as essential public services to the benefit of all.

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France

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