CGT demands €200 monthly raise as TotalEnergies talks stall
CGT demands €200 monthly wage increase; TotalEnergies offers €1,000 bonus advance amid October 8 strike call.
Event / Economy
TotalEnergies France Strike
TotalEnergies workers in France called for strike action on October 8, 2026, demanding wage increases and permanent employment contracts. The CGT union presented demands while management offered limited bonus advances, with potential fuel supply disruptions.
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2026-10-08 to 2026-10-30 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 8 Oct, 09:36 UTC
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What happened
CGT calls TotalEnergies workers to strike across all French sites on October 8
The CGT union called for a 24-hour strike across all TotalEnergies sites in France on Thursday, October 8, 2026, including refineries, rubber factories, and gas stations. The strike was called to protest employment conditions and wage stagnation.
TotalEnergies reports 11.2 billion dollar net profit in first half of 2026
TotalEnergies announced net profit of 11.2 billion dollars (approximately 10 billion euros) for the first half of 2026, representing a 73 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
CGT demands €200 monthly wage increase and minimum salary at 1.2 times minimum wage
The CGT union demanded a €200 monthly wage increase for all TotalEnergies employees and establishment of a minimum base salary equivalent to 1.2 times the French minimum wage (SMIC). The union noted that many employees in refineries, gas stations, and rubber factories were earning at or near minimum wage levels.
CFDT union seeks wage increases and employment discussions without joining strike
The CFDT union, also representing TotalEnergies workers, declined to join the CGT strike but stated it wants to engage in negotiation and social dialogue to achieve better value distribution. The CFDT also raised concerns about employment levels and maintenance investment requirements for refining operations.
TotalEnergies management offers €1,000 advance on annual bonus
TotalEnergies management announced an advance payment of €1,000 gross to all employees on their annual bonus, with the total bonus amount to be negotiated during annual wage negotiations in December. Management framed this as recognition of employee contribution to company success.
TotalEnergies workers report staffing shortages and excessive work hours
The CGT union reported that TotalEnergies staff levels are under tension throughout the group, with positions left unfilled following departures and absences. The union cited heavy reliance on temporary workers and repeated fixed-term contracts, along with reports of consecutive 12-16 hour work days that could endanger worker safety and site security.
Potential fuel supply disruptions at TotalEnergies facilities during strike
A successful strike could result in blocked or slowed fuel shipments from refineries and blockades at approximately 180 Argedis gas stations, primarily on French highways. This comes amid existing fuel distribution difficulties linked to Middle East conflict and price caps implemented by TotalEnergies.
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