.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
French nuclear power plant workers to join strike
Workers at French nuclear power stations are due to strike on Thursday amid growing industrial action over controversial labour reforms
Analysts say France has nearly four months of fuel reserves, but motorist have started panic-buying
The CGT union said staff at 16 of France's 19 nuclear plants had voted for a one-day strike, the BBC reports.
The French government triggered union outrage when it resorted to a constitutional device to force its labour reforms through parliament without a vote earlier this month.
The government says the reforms, which make it easier for companies to hire and fire staff, are needed to bring down unemployment.
But unions want the government to reverse controversial labour reforms.
Nuclear power provides about 75% of France’s electricity, but strikes and blockades are already disrupting six of France's eight oil refineries.
Transport minister Alain Vidalies said 40% of petrol stations around Paris were struggling to get fuel. Nevertheless, president Francois Hollande told ministers on Wednesday that "everything will be done to ensure the French people and the economy is supplied."
