Latest News

France's CFDT union might take strike action over Exxon task cuts

France's CFDT trade union stated on Monday that it might sign up with a continuous strike by the CGT union at ExxonMobil's Port Jerome refinery as talks with the company near a due date.

Up until now, the strike action has actually been limited to chemical employees after Exxon stated it would shut down its steam cracker and close chemical production at the site this year.

Exxon has 2 refineries in France that represent about 30% of the country's capability. A representative said the strikes have actually not impacted its refining, regardless of a blockade in late June.

The closures at the facility will indicate 608 workers losing their tasks from 2025, the Exxon spokesperson informed Reuters.

The end of info and assessment duration for the labor force assistance plan is Sept. 20, so Exxon and the unions need to reach an arrangement by the end of the week, they added.

CFDT, one of France's largest unions, stated in a declaration it was worried that working conditions would be considerably deteriorated by the proposed modifications.

The CFDT currently does not dismiss any action, including legal action, to defend the interests of all staff members, but chooses to return to the negotiating table, it stated.

The CFDT participated in strikes last year at French refineries over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, which saw disruptions to fuel supplies throughout the country.

(source: Reuters)