French CGT union oil workers debate possible strike

Workers and officials from the French labour union CGT will meet today to decide on possible strike action, over the government's proposed changes to pension rights.

Officials said they are "on route to take a decision" in the coming hours, over whether to down tools on 19 January. The CGT has members at French refineries and fuel depots, and was at the forefront of strikes in September-November last year that at one stage shut five of France's six refineries and led to significant stock draws for French diesel.

Other unions, including FO and CFDT that also have workers in the French downstream sector, have signed a joint declaration condemning the government's proposed changes. Paris wants to raise the age for receipt of pensions by two years, to 64.

There have been previous strikes in the French downstream sector over proposed alternations to pensions, including in 2010, 2019 and the start of 2020.

By Adam Porter