French Nuke Plants, Trains on Strike

PARIS (AP) -- Workers are on strike at most French nuclear plants and the national rail service to protest the proposed abolition of some labor protections.

Members of the CGT union at 16 of France's 19 nuclear plants, which provide the majority of the country's electricity, voted for a one-day strike Thursday. Nuclear plants are required to maintain a minimal level of production even during strikes for security reasons, though some power outages are expected.

Service on high-speed TGV trains and commuter trains was disrupted Thursday for a second day. Some Paris public transport workers also joined the strike, though disruptions were minimal.

Workers have sector-specific demands, but are also tapping into widespread anger at a bill extending the workweek and making layoffs easier.

(KA)