IndustriAll European Trade Union stands in solidarity with its French affiliates in the energy sector CGT Mines-Énergies, CFE-CGC Énergies, FCE-CFDT and FO Énergie et Mines that are engaged in protest against the dismantling of the French gas and electricity sector, including the massive restructuring of the EDF and ENGIE groups. 

A day of mobilisation is taking place today, 26 November. It follows two earlier trade union mobilisations that took place last autumn at EDF against plans to split the EDF group into two entities, separating the nuclear and hydro generation activities from renewable energy generation, sales, energy services and distribution. The French unions consider this project as of purely financial interest as it does not follow any long-term strategic vision that is vitally needed to pursue Europe’s energy and climate targets. Moreover, the project is a threat to the current workforce of EDF and working conditions. Now, the ENGIE group is pursuing the same ill-thought strategy by announcing its intention to also split the group into two entities (New ENGIE and New Solutions). 

IndustriAll Europe has written (link) to Mrs Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressing the concerns of European trade unions about the EDF project that jeopardizes both the future of the employees and the future of the French energy sector. And this at a time when the European Union is set on a path to carbon neutrality by 2050 to address the climate challenge.

IndustriAll Europe supports the request of CGT Mines-Énergies, CFE-CGC Énergies, FCE-CFDT and FO Énergie et Mine for an urgent meeting with the President of the European Commission to share their concerns and visions of a genuine Just Transition.

Letter of solidarity with French unions

Letter of industriAll Europe to the President of the European Commission

Contact: Andrea Husen-Bradley (press and communication), Aline Conchon (senior policy adviser)