Signs of breakthrough in French refinery strike

By GREG KELLER Associated Press Writer

NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRAVENCHON, France (AP) - Signs of a breakthrough have emerged in a strike that has shuttered refineries around France and caused scattered gasoline shortages.

Workers at facilities run by ExxonMobil Corp. have abandoned a strike at a depot on the English Channel and plans for a walkout at a major refinery nearby. Union organizer Laurent Delaunay says the decision came at a vote Tuesday.

Charles Foulard of the CGT union says oil company Total SA "appears ready" to maintain refining activities at a plant at the heart of the strike. Total met with unions Tuesday.

He says Total workers will not call off the strike yet, pending further discussions on the future of refining in France.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRAVENCHON, France(AP) - Signs of breakthrough have emerged in a strike that has shuttered refineries around France and caused scattered gasoline shortages.

Workers at ExxonMobil Corp.-run facilities abandoned a strike at a depot on the English Channel and plans for a strike at a major refinery nearby. Union organizer Laurent Delaunay said the decision came at a vote Tuesday.

Charles Foulard of the CGT union says oil company Total SA "appears ready" to maintain refining activities at a plant at the heart of the strike. Total met with unions Tuesday.

He says workers will not call off the strike yet, pending further discussions on the future of refining in France.