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Vol. 80/No. 23 June 13, 2016
Strikes in France protest labor ‘reform’ law
BY NAT LONDON
PARIS — Labor strikes and protests are taking place in several key
industries across France in response to government plans to push ahead
with anti-union “reforms.” As of May 27, work stoppages were affecting
production at the country’s eight oil refineries, while roadblocks by
drivers and actions by rail and port workers have reduced the transport
of goods.
The Socialist Party government claims its draft law will give bosses
more “flexibility” and reduce unemployment. For years, workers here have
faced high unemployment — currently over 10 percent — as well as
increased use of “temporary” contracts that the bosses use to divide
workers and push down wages and working conditions. The proposed
revision to the labor code would allow companies to impose changes in
working hours and overtime pay, lengthen the 35-hour workweek and secure
local agreements inferior to those set by industry-wide agreements that
are supposed to apply to all workplaces, with or without a union presence.
The proposal sparked large protests this spring. As it became clear the
bill was headed for defeat in the National Assembly, the lower house of
parliament, President Francois Hollande decided May 10 to use a
provision in the 1958 constitution to push it through without a vote.
In response, both the CGT and FO unions called for protest strikes. The
leadership of the other major union, the CFDT, is supporting the
government’s measures. Within days barricades set up by unionists, young
people, truck drivers and others blocked access to oil storage depots.
Workers struck at all eight oil refineries. The government said May 25
it was using supplies from its strategic reserves to restock gas
stations that were running dry.
Port workers are blocking some of the largest ports, including Le Havre
and Marseille. Workers at all 19 of the country’s nuclear power plants
began a partial strike May 26. Airport and airline worker unions have
called for a strike, as have the public transportation unions in Paris.
A public survey by the IFOP polling company May 26 reported 60 percent
support for the strikes.
A May 26 national day of protest against the labor bill drew tens of
thousands in Paris and other cities.
Marc Kinzel in Marseille and Jean Vilaca in Paris contributed to this
article.
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