A stalemate over labor reforms in France has the nuclear power industry caught up in rolling strikes by union workers, who fear the reforms make it easier for companies to lay off workers.
Workers at all 19 French nuclear power plants have voted to join the massive strike actions, which include workers across a spectrum of unionized workshops, including hydro-power plants, fossil fuel-burning plants, transportation services and others.
Railroad workers and airline pilots are also striking. The nuclear power industry relies on the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), which voted to strike.
Workers at companies that generate electricity, including nuclear power, cannot turn off the power. They are obliged to keep a minimum power output to prevent blackouts. Utilities, including EDF, are likely to import electricity from nearby countries to keep the power from dropping too low, however, says PressTV.
“All power production sites voted to strike,” said CGT official Laurent Langlard. Union workers will start cutting power at 9:00 p.m. Thursday night, he said.
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande is holding his ground. The reforms would not be withdrawn, Hollande has said.