A labor strike in France's electric power sector resulted in 6.5 gigawatts of capacity being taken off the grid overnight into Monday,
according to EDF data. Workers walked off the job to protest a recommendation to cut employee benefits, including access to electricity at reduced rates.
Seven French nuclear reactors accounted for the bulk of the drop in output. Several hundred megawatts of capacity from gas and hydroelectric plants were also taken offline during the action.
France generates about 70% of its electricity from 57 nuclear reactors. The country is a major exporter of electricity to neighboring states amidst persistently high power prices. Countries like Germany, which rely more heavily on gas, face higher energy production costs.
According to EDF, the disruptions will continue until early Tuesday morning. The strike is scheduled to last through Tuesday, meaning the outages could potentially be extended or expanded.
Workers and retirees in the French energy sector enjoy preferential rates for gas and electricity. Unions consider these discounts an integral part of the employee compensation package.