TotalEnergies employees call for strike in France

TotalEnergies employees in France have been called to strike on Thursday, October 8, 2026, following a call from the CGT union. The mobilization aims to defend employment, secure wage increases, and improve health and safety conditions.

The CGT union expressed dissatisfaction with stagnant wages, noting that some subsidiary salaries have been overtaken by the minimum wage (Smic), despite the company reporting a net profit of $5.4 billion in the second quarter. The union is demanding a monthly increase of 200 euros for all workers and a minimum base salary set at 1.2 times the Smic. They also criticized the company's decision to increase dividends and accelerate share buybacks while workers face high pressure and reliance on temporary staff.

The strike could impact various operations, including refineries, rubber plants, and fuel shipments. There is a risk of fuel shortages and blockades at service stations, particularly the approximately 180 Argedis stations located mainly on highways. While management offered a 1,000 euro advance on annual bonuses, the CGT maintained the strike call. The CFDT union has expressed hope for social dialogue to achieve a better distribution of value.