French energy unions strike over special-status tax reform; government holds firm

Unions at EDF and Engie (CFE-CGC, CFDT, CGT, FO) met Energy Minister Maud Bregeon but the government refuses to drop its plan to reform the taxation of the special agent rate affecting hundreds of thousands of employees and retirees. Unions have set an ultimatum until 2 October, raising the risk of prolonged labor action in the energy sector.