Occasion – For Sustainable Unionism, Denis Cohen

FOR SUSTAINABLE TRADE UNIONISM Opening of gas and electricity markets to competition, partial privatizations of EDF and Gaz de France, reform of special pension schemes... Denis Cohen is on all fronts, tackling all projects. As head of the CGT's Energy federation, he appears more than ever as the indispensable figure in the French energy landscape. Highly critical of European deregulation, Denis Cohen strives to correct its excesses by defending the "French-style public service". He also advocates for a true "European energy policy."

Throughout the interview, he mainly develops his own vision of trade union activism. By "giving a voice to employees," Denis Cohen calls for a proactive trade unionism, at the intersection of social and political spheres.

But Denis Cohen's "sustainable trade unionism" also involves defending the environment and demanding "energy for all." In all these areas, the head of CGT-Énergie affirms his "need for citizen involvement."

Denis Cohen, an EDF technician, has headed the CGT energy federation since 1989. He is also a member of the French Communist Party's national committee.

Pascal Pogam, a journalist, has covered the energy sector for La Tribune since January 2000. Previously, he worked for Le Revenu Français and Le Parisien.