in Gonfreville-l’Orcher, refinery employees galvanized by the call for a national strike

In front of the gate of the Norman refinery of Gonfreville-l’Orcher, the message is clear: the line of sight is Tuesday. Tuesday, October 18 will take place a day of interprofessional mobilization “for the increase of wages and the defense of the right to strike”called by the CGT and several other unions after the requisition of employees of the oil industry in full strike since October 4. “The day will surely be very well attended and will set the tone for the rest of our movement”hopes David Guillemard, elected CGT at the CSE of the TotalEnergies refinery in Gonfreville-l’Orcher, near Le Havre.

Here, despite the agreement signed between the management, the CFDT and the CFE-CGC, there is no question of giving up. Employees of the Normandy refinery are betting on the call for a national strike on Tuesday for the movement to gain further weight. “Inflation does not only concern people at Total, it affects all employees in France”continues the elected CGT.

“If it makes it possible to raise awareness and that all employees in France stand up to win their case on wage demands, we will have done a good job.”

David Guillemard, elected CGT

at franceinfo

In Le Havre, employees in energy and transport have already announced that they are mobilizing. Hopeful news for David Calbet, operator and elected CGT of the refinery: “A lot of corporations want to join us, we have a lot of calls to say that they will support our movement… We really hope that other companies will also join the fight.”

The march against high prices in Paris on Sunday, October 16, initiated by left-wing parties, is, according to him, a first step. “The more struggles converge, the more we can get things done. Most companies will have their NAO – mandatory annual negotiation – soon. If we can unite the struggles, now is the time.” Whatever the mobilization on Sunday afternoon, “we will stay motivated”, he assures. In Gonfreville-l’Orcher, the strike continues at least until Wednesday morning.