General strike in France to demand wage increases

The country is facing an “intersectoral strike” to request an increase in salaries, pensions and social subsidiesThe protest that has affected French refineries since the end of September and has caused fuel shortages at gas stations is thus extendedThe forced mobilizations announced by the Government to guaranteeing the operation of the refineries has not pleased the unions France faces an “intersectoral strike” on Tuesday in which the unions call on the workers to mobilize to demand wage increases in the face of rising prices and the energy crisis. This widens the protests that have affected several refineries since the end of September and that have caused fuel shortages at gas stations. The strike has been called by a part of the country’s unions, with the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) at the head and extends to public transport, health or education. In the call statement, the mobilization is called ” for the increase in salaries, pensions and social subsidies and the improvement of living conditions and studies” Some 140 demonstrations have been called throughout the country. Erik Meyer, federal secretary of the SUD-Rail union, stated in France Info that the day of mobilization is “quite successful”; according to him, “more than one in two train drivers are on strike.” He added that, also, “around 30% of production and maintenance agents nationwide.” The unions maintain that the situation of TotalEnergies employees has been the spark that has triggered the strike this Tuesday, after the announcement of the Government of forced mobilizations to confront the blockades. In this sense, the government spokesman, Olivier Véran, has said on France 2 that “probably” new staff will be called to guarantee the operation of the refineries before the stoppage due to strikes. As he has stated, there will be as many interventions “as necessary” to meet the needs of the French. Regarding wage claims, he has stated that “it is not up to the Government to assume social dialogue in a private company.”