Paris garbage collectors extend walkout for another week

ANKARA

Garbage collectors in Paris decided Tuesday to extend their walkout for another week, local media reported.

The public services branch of the General Labor Confederation (CGT) trade union announced the strike, which started two weeks ago, will be extended until March 27, according to the Le Figaro newspaper.

Garbage collectors from other regions and cities may also join the walkout, said CGT.

The strike comprises collectors from the public and private sectors and workers at incineration plants, according to the trade union.

The volume of garbage piles reached 10,000 tons last week and was around 9,300 on Monday after a slight decrease, said Le Figaro.

After a dispute between the Interior Ministry and the Paris municipality, Paris police forced 674 garbage collecting workers back to work on March 16, said Le Figaro, citing authorities.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced Tuesday the creation of a crisis unit "to ensure the continuity of public services."

The unit will bring together deputies, district mayors and other officials, she added.

Oil refineries

Workers at oil refineries have also extended their walkout which puts at risk supplies in gas stations across the country.

The Energy Transition Ministry announced Tuesday the requisition of staff for 48 hours in the Fos-sur-Mer oil depot in southern France, due to growing supply issues in the Bouches-du-Rhone department, according to the Ouest-France newspaper.