French nuclear plant workers join labour strike

Workers at nuclear power stations in France have gone on strike as part of a growing industrial action over the nation’s controversial reforms to labour laws. The CGT union said […]

Workers at nuclear power stations in France have gone on strike as part of a growing industrial action over the nation’s controversial reforms to labour laws.

The CGT union said majority of the staff at the 19 nuclear plants – which provide around 75% of the nation’s electricity – voted for the strike.

Reports claim petrol is in short supply following days of strikes and France has mobilised its emergency fuel reserves as protesters continue nationwide blockades of oil refineries.

The protests are against a labour bill which is said to extend the working week and make it easier for firms to fire employees.

Nuclear power capacity is also believed to have been reduced by at least 4GW after CGT union workers joined the demonstration.

The news comes as football fans are due to arrive in France in two weeks for the Euro 2016 championship.

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