French energy workers plan strike to protect preferential tariff amid government review

On Tuesday, electricians and gas workers across France will stage a strike to oppose a government proposal to modify the "agent tariff" that provides them with discounted electricity and gas prices. Union groups including the CGT, CFE-CGC, CFDT and FO have mobilised their members from major energy firms such as EDF, Enedis, GRDF and Engie, and plan to present their case to officials at the Ministry of Energy. The Cour des comptes has urged the state to act on the tariff, prompting the ministry to promise a timely review and consultation with employee representatives once technical work is finished.

Union leaders like Fabrice Coudour and Dominique Santoni describe the tariff as a core component of workers' compensation and reject any changes as non-negotiable. They recall a similar large-scale protest in 2011 when the benefit was also threatened, and warn that further government inaction could trigger additional actions.