DHAKA: Workers at French nuclear power stations are due to down tools on Thursday amid growing industrial action over controversial labour reforms.

The CGT union said staff at 16 of France’s 19 nuclear plants had voted for a one-day strike.

The government said on Wednesday it was dipping into strategic oil reserves as strikers blockaded refineries.

Unions want the government to reverse controversial labour reforms forced through parliament earlier this month.

France’s state-run power company, Electricite de France, declined to comment on how Thursday’s one-day strike at nuclear plants would affect supply.

Nuclear power provides about 75% of the country’s electricity. Strikes and blockades are already disrupting six of France’s eight oil refineries.

Clashes broke out at one refinery on Tuesday when police broke up a blockade at Fos-sur-Mer in Marseille.

Workers at a large oil terminal in the port of Le Havre were due to go on strike on Thursday to block imports.

Transport Minister Alain Vidalies said 40 percent of petrol stations around Paris were struggling to get fuel.

Motorists have been panic buying to avoid shortages.

President Francois Hollande told ministers on Wednesday that “everything will be done to ensure the French people and the economy is supplied”.

BDST: 0840 HRS, May 26, 2016
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