The CGT considers negotiations, at the end of 2021, on the national base salary in the energy sector “totally unsatisfactory”. The result: The union has launched a call for a renewed strike in the sector that includes the EDF, effective January 25. The goal is to get wages and pensions reassessed, the CGT Federation of Mines and Energy (FNME-CGT) announced Monday.

The call comes in the context of heightened vigilance regarding France’s January electricity supply, in particular due to the low availability of its nuclear fleet, at an all-time low for this time of year. The movement can be closely watched: CGT has already taken first place in the Electricity and Gas Industries branch, with a representation of up to 40%.

CGT criticizes wages that ‘not keeping pace with inflation’

“Employees and retirees are demanding immediate compensation of at least 10% of their salaries and pensions and recognition of what their past, present or future commitment is worth,” FNME-CGT notes. It’s been almost 10 years that our salaries haven’t kept pace with inflation. This is no longer possible, the staff is tired. Fabrice Caudor, CGT Federal Secretary in charge of Claims Policy, and an employee at EDF SA, explains that we are fighting for public service then and now, also for our salaries and pensions.

FNME-CGT warns that “significant disturbances in the electricity and gas balance or in commercial activity will only be the responsibility of deaf departments to meet the fair demands of employees and retirees.” The EDF, for its part, states that it has “taken note” of this call to strike. However, the group notes that it is still negotiating its 2022 salary actions with unions and therefore does not wish, at this point, to comment on bonus issues.

“There may be an impact on users, but this is not our primary goal,” emphasizes Fabrice Caudor, who wants this movement to “put companies in economic difficulty” in the sector. “In the event that our employers do not respond, the trade union democracy has decided to renew the movement from the twenty-sixth in different forms,” the union defines according to which the development “will adapt to each location with the strikers.” .