Approximately 45,000 homes are currently experiencing power outages as of Wednesday, September 25, 2024. EDF Archipel Guadeloupe has indicated that this situation is due to a shortfall in electricity production prompted by the ongoing social movement.
At midday, striking workers halted two engines at the EDF PEI power plant located in Pointe Jarry. The effects were immediate… Presently, 45,000 residences are without electricity, as reported by EDF Archipel Guadeloupe, which attributes the problem to a deficit in electricity production stemming from the continuing social movement.
The municipalities affected include:
- Saint Rose
- Deshaies
- Lamentin
- The Abysses
- The Throat
- Saint Anne
- Saint Francis
Another engine has been stopped due to a new round of negotiations between agents affiliated with FE-CGTG and EDF PEI management.
In a letter addressed to Nathanaël Verin, the CGTG union delegate at the EDF PEI power station in Pointe Jarry, Frédéric Maillard expressed his trust in Guadeloupean director Gaëlle Paygambar to lead the negotiations.
The letter from the national director was not well-received; instead, it incited anger within the Energy Federation. The deputy general secretary, Jean-Pierre Baden, wrote a lengthy letter to the director of DEETS, in which he criticized the threatening tone of Frédéric Maillard, president of EDF PEI.
The energy federation’s detailed response consists of a reasoned letter, 45 pages in length, addressed to DEETS, the Directorate of Economy, Employment, Work, and Solidarity, which was sent yesterday evening.
The CGTG energy union has reacted to the letter from Frédéric Maillard, the president of EDF PEI. The union, currently on strike within the island’s electricity-producing entity, responds to each point raised.
Ludovic De Gaillande, the director of DEETS, is called as a witness in this social conflict.
In conclusion, the strike is ongoing. A lawyer has been appointed to begin procedures for recovering the compliant pay slips required in the list of demands.
The FE CGTG is also insisting that a manager from EDF PEI join the negotiations alongside the local director, Gaëlle Paygambar. If this does not happen, the mobilization will escalate.
Meanwhile, the FE CGTG asserts that it will maintain sufficient electricity production to prevent power outages in the archipelago until September 30. However, the current production is unstable, which is why the power cuts are occurring.
45,000 Homes Affected by Power Cuts on September 25, 2024
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, around 45,000 homes in Guadeloupe experienced significant power cuts. This disruption was announced by EDF Archipel Guadeloupe, citing a deficit in electricity production as the primary cause, linked directly to the ongoing social movement affecting the region.
Immediate Effects of the Strikes
The situation escalated when workers at the EDF PEI power plant located at Pointe Jarry halted two engines during a strike around midday. This unforeseen shutdown enforced a rapid response from EDF Archipel Guadeloupe, leading to an immediate power cut impacting various municipalities.
Municipalities Affected:
- Saint Rose
- Deshaies
- Lamentin
- The Abysses
- The Throat
- Saint Anne
- Saint Francis
Context Behind the Strikes
These strikes are part of a larger social movement that has been brewing within the region, where labor representatives affiliated with <FE-CGTG> clashed with the management of EDF PEI. The call for continued negotiations was emphasized by Frédéric Maillard, the president of EDF PEI.
Negotiation Dynamics
At the beginning of the week, Maillard reiterated the necessity for discussions, indicating his aim to resume talks without waiting for the return of CGTG’s secretary, Jimmy Thélémaque, who was traveling at that time. Despite this, a letter Maillard sent to Nathanaël Verin, a CGTG union delegate, resulted in heightened tensions rather than resolution.
Reaction from Labor Unions
The response from the CGTG union and its affiliates was robust, with officials decrying the threatening tone of Maillard’s communications. This culminated in a detailed 45-page letter addressed to the DEETS (Directorate of Economy, Employment, Work and Solidarity), highlighting various grievances and demands.
Key Points from the Response:
The letter from the energy federation articulated multiple concerns:
- Lack of effective dialogue with management
- Demands for compliance regarding pay slips
- A call for a higher-level management presence at negotiations
Continuing the Strike and Future Measures
The strike remains active as of this writing. CGTG announced they would ramp up mobilization should their requests for negotiation not be met. The union has pointed out the need for sufficient electricity production to prevent further power cuts until September 30, yet, due to the current instability in electricity production, power supply remains a pressing issue.
Understanding Power Cuts in Guadeloupe
Power cuts affect residents significantly, disrupting daily life and business operations. The impact of these outages extends to various sectors, leading to potential economic losses and inconveniences for thousands.
Potential Solutions and Benefits
To mitigate these circumstances and the risk of ongoing energy instability, several actions could be beneficial:
- Increased dialogue: Encourage open communication channels between EDF, local government, and unions.
- Maintenance of resources: Ensure maintenance and upgrades of existing power plants to increase production capacity.
- Alternative energy sources: Invest in renewable energy solutions to diversify and stabilize the energy supply.
Case Study: Historical Context of Power Strikes in Guadeloupe
Power strikes are not uncommon in Guadeloupe, often rooted in socio-economic struggles. Historical cases demonstrate that consistent engagement between unions and management can lead to more stable operations and fewer interruptions. An examination of past responses from EDF and the successful negotiation processes underscores the need for proactive measures.
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Major Strikes | Regions faced power outages; prolonged negotiations led to improved terms. |
| 2020 | Minor Outages | Less severe, but highlighted the need for more sustainable solutions. |
| 2024 | Current Context | Severe interruptions with 45,000 homes affected due to labor disputes. |
First-Hand Experience from Affected Residents
Residents affected by the recent power cuts have voiced their frustrations. One local resident stated:
“It’s frustrating. We rely on electricity for our daily activities and to run our businesses. This disruption has made things so challenging.”
Another resident expressed concern about the long-term economic impact:
“Power is essential to everyone’s livelihood. This situation needs to be resolved quickly to avoid more extensive damage in our community.”
Conclusion
The impact of the ongoing power cuts caused by social movements in Guadeloupe remains significant, affecting thousands of residents. To address these issues, both management and union representatives must find common ground through effective negotiations and communication. In parallel, broader investments in stability and alternative energy solutions can better safeguard against disruptions in the future.
