This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36385778

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
French labour dispute: Energy supplies hit by strike action French labour dispute: Protesters barricade key sites
(about 2 hours later)
France is braced for further disruption to its energy supplies as workers at oil refineries, nuclear power stations, ports and transport go on strike. Strike action by unions at French oil refineries, nuclear power stations, ports and transport networks is leading to disruption across the country.
But in a sign of the growing pressure on the government, PM Manuel Valls said the labour reforms at the heart of the dispute could be "modified". PM Manuel Valls has again insisted that labour reforms at the heart of the dispute would not be withdrawn, but suggested they could be "modified".
Motorists have been panic buying fuel, some petrol stations struggled to get supplies. Striking workers have blockaded motorways and bridges, as well as a nuclear submarine base in Normandy.
France is due to host the Euro 2016 championships in two weeks time. Nuclear power production has slowed, and fuel remains in short supply.
Union disruption was expected to take place at: Flights to and from Paris, Nantes and Toulouse have been affected, and a rolling strike by train drivers is expected to further disrupt regional and commuter rail services.
Orly airport in Paris has cut flights by 15% and a rolling strike by train drivers is expected to further disrupt regional and commuter services.
The unions have also called for rallies in most major cities.The unions have also called for rallies in most major cities.
CGT union member at nuclear power plants voted on Wednesday to join the strike. CGT union members at nuclear power plants voted on Wednesday to join the strike, and the union said 16 of the country's 19 power stations would be affected.
Nuclear power provides about 75% of the country's electricity. Grid operator RTE said nuclear power capacity was being cut by at least four gigawatts - equivalent to 6% of the country's total production capacity - on Thursday, Reuters news agency reports. Nuclear power provides about 75% of the country's electricity. Grid operator RTE said nuclear power capacity was being cut by at least four gigawatts, equivalent to 6% of the country's total production capacity, on Thursday, Reuters news agency reports.
Meanwhile, the French Union of Petroleum Industries says a third of France's 12,000 petrol stations are running dry. Six of France's eight oil refineries have already been hit by strikes and barricades, as have major ports including Marseille and Le Havre.
As the union action ramped up on Thursday morning, Mr Valls indicated "there may still be changes, improvements" made to the labour reform laws.
But he rejected Finance Minister Michel Sapin's suggestion that Article 2 of the bill could be rewritten. Article 2 gives individual companies the power to opt out of national obligations on labour protection if they need to - something the CGT union is fiercely opposed to.
Pumps running dry
The French Union of Petroleum Industries says a third of France's 12,000 petrol stations are now running dry.
It said the government had begun using its strategic fuel reserves, which analysts say will last around four months.It said the government had begun using its strategic fuel reserves, which analysts say will last around four months.
Transport Minister Alain Vidalies has said 40% of petrol stations around Paris are struggling to get fuel. Transport Minister Alain Vidalies said 40% of petrol stations around Paris are struggling to get fuel.
President Francois Hollande told ministers on Wednesday that "everything will be done to ensure the French people and the economy is supplied".President Francois Hollande told ministers on Wednesday that "everything will be done to ensure the French people and the economy is supplied".
As the union action ramped up on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Valls said that although the new labour laws would not be withdrawn, "there may still be changes, improvements". France is due to host the Euro 2016 championships in two weeks' time.
There has been no reaction from the CGT union, which has led the way with the action. The CGT and other unions were enraged by the government's decision to use a constitutional device allow its watered-down labour reforms to be made into law without parliamentary approval.
It was enraged by the government's decision to use a constitutional device allow its watered-down labour reforms to be made into law without parliamentary approval.
The government says the reforms, which make it easier for companies to hire and fire staff, are needed to bring down unemployment.The government says the reforms, which make it easier for companies to hire and fire staff, are needed to bring down unemployment.
French labour reform bill - main pointsFrench labour reform bill - main points
Are you in France and affected by the strikes? Are you a worker taking part in industrial action? Or are you about to travel to France and concerned about how the strikes will affect you? Please get in touch. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukAre you in France and affected by the strikes? Are you a worker taking part in industrial action? Or are you about to travel to France and concerned about how the strikes will affect you? Please get in touch. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form belowOr use the form below