There has been significant media attention in France
recently around 'requisitioning' striking employees, in
connection with the recent wave of strikes that have affected fuel
distribution. What is it, and when is it possible?
In France, the requisitioning of striking employees (requiring
them to work) generally results from a decision by a prefect, the
regional state representative. The General Code of Local
Authorities provides that:
'in emergencies, when the observed or foreseeable damage to
public order, health, peace and safety so requires and when the
means available to the prefect no longer allow the pursuit of the
objectives for which he has police powers, he may, by reasoned
decree, for all the communes of the department or several or one of
them, requisition any property or service, request any person
necessary for the operation of this service or the use of this
property and prescribe any useful measure until the breach of
public order has ended or the
