French Government's Response to Strikes: Possibility of Labor Law Reform

With the increase in protests and strikes in France, Prime Minister Manuel Valls has stated that there is a possibility of changes to the controversial labor law reforms. Valls told BFMTV that while the reforms are not being canceled, 'some changes and amendments may be possible.' These remarks from the French Prime Minister came as workers from the country's nuclear power plants joined the wave of strikes. The CGT labor union, which is leading these strikes, has been accused by the Prime Minister of 'disrupting the operations of refineries and fuel depots.' Valls stated that labor unions 'cannot impose laws.' The strike by energy sector workers has created fuel shortages in France just two weeks before the start of the UEFA European Championship. The French Oil Industry Union announced that oil companies began using their strategic fuel reserves on Monday. According to Radio France Internationale, fuel distribution in the country is facing a crisis, and car owners have rushed to gas stations. Meanwhile, police have succeeded in dispersing dozens of strikers to reopen access to a fuel depot in northern France. In addition to the energy and nuclear power sectors, which produce most of France's electricity, the national and high-speed rail services have also joined the strikes. The CGT union has called for the expansion of strikes and protests. Two major ports in France, Marseille in the south and Le Havre in the north, are currently in a tense situation. If workers at the Le Havre oil terminal strike, there will be no fuel reaching Paris airports after five or six days. Nearly 40 percent of France's oil imports come through Le Havre. Aviation unions have also threatened to strike on June 3 and 5. France will host the UEFA European Championship starting June 10. It is expected that at least seven million people will come to France to watch the matches. According to reforms made by the government without parliamentary approval, it will be easier for employers to dismiss employees.