The strike highlights ongoing labor issues within the EDF, particularly concerning worker compensation and contractual agreements that have not been honored.
Guadeloupe's unique energy production challenges, being a non-interconnected area, emphasize the critical need for reliable energy management to prevent widespread outages.
If the strike continues beyond Monday, it could lead to further disruptions in electricity supply, impacting more households and essential services across the archipelago.
The situation may prompt government intervention or negotiations to resolve the ongoing labor disputes and restore normal electricity production.
The ongoing strike by EDF workers in Guadeloupe has resulted in significant power outages, leaving approximately 71,000 homes without electricity as of October 17. The disruptions began around 2 p.m. local time and affected multiple municipalities, including Pointe-à-Pitre and Sainte-Anne. The industrial action is taking place at the Albioma power plant in Moule and is expected to continue until Monday morning, as announced by the energy branch of the CGT in Overseas France. The strike is part of a larger social movement that has been active since September 15, aimed at enforcing an agreement signed in early 2023, which addresses demands for improved contracts and remuneration, including the resolution of five years of unpaid wage arrears. The situation is exacerbated by Guadeloupe's reliance on thermal energy for nearly 70% of its electricity production, primarily from fuel oil and wood pellets, which necessitates careful management of supply to avoid blackouts. Previous strikes have already caused power outages affecting up to 100,000 homes.
