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France Forced to Use Oil Reserves Amid Sweeping Labor Protests

HeadlineMay 25, 2016

In France, gas stations have reported fuel shortages as protesters blockade oil depots amid sweeping protests against labor reform. All eight of the country’s oil refineries were reportedly out of commission Tuesday as workers went on strike. France has been forced to dip into its strategic oil reserves for the first time since 2010. Unions are protesting reforms that would make it easier to fire workers, among other provisions. Union official Franck Bobard spoke on Monday.

Franck Bobard: “We’re going to cause a fuel shortage. You know, in the media we hear that there won’t be a shortage before three weeks time. It’s been less than a week that we’ve mobilized all around France; there are already shortages everywhere. Let them try to find some lies that are a little more credible.”

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