French strike cuts output by 7,000MW

Resumen de Prensa            Enervía, viernes, 20 junio 2003

FUENTE: Platts


Thursday as power workers took part in a day of strikes in France over pension reform, a CGT energy spokesman told Platts. Output cuts totalled 5,040MW at noon local time (1000GMT) climbing to 7,000MW 4.30pm local time (1430GMT). Output was hit at the Cattenom, St Alban, Chinon, Dampierre and Bugey nuclear power plants, the union said. These have a combined 18,600MW. Strikes would continue until 8pm, he said. He said strikers had also cut power supplies to selected targets including industrial zones, MPs' offices and government buildings. "The reductions in output will have enormous financial consequences. Despite this there is no sign that management is willing to negotiate," the union spokesman said. Overall fewer power workers took part in Thursday's strike than in earlier pension protests with between 12- 55% of staff walking out depending on the unit, according to union figures. The union said its protests would continue and that new action was likely, possibly next week. French parliament is due to vote Jun 25 on pension reform.