UK nuclear power project faces union protests, delay

July 29, 2016 at 6:35 a.m. | Updated July 29, 2016 at 6:45 a.m.

by Associated Press

FILE- In this Tuesday, Feb 5, 2013 file photo, the EDF tower of French state-owned power giant Electricite de France (EDF), is seen in the La Defense business district, west of Paris. French energy company EDF is due to decide whether to go ahead with a major nuclear power plant project in southwest England that some consider too costly. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, File)
FILE- In this Tuesday, Feb 5, 2013 file photo, the EDF tower of French state-owned power giant Electricite de France (EDF), is seen in the La Defense business district, west of Paris. French energy company EDF is due to decide whether to go ahead with a major nuclear power plant project in southwest England that some consider too costly. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, File)

PARIS (AP) - French unions are protesting against energy giant EDF's approval of a major nuclear power plant project in southwest England, saying it puts the country's nuclear sector at risk.

The French government, which pushed for the project and owns a majority stake in EDF, didn't comment on the company's decision.

Three major French unions said in a statement Friday "we know the success conditions are not all met." They have taken legal action against EDF's management to repeal the decision and delay the project. The court decision is expected on Sept. 22.

The British government has decided to take time to consider the details of the project, an attitude the British GMB union immediately denounced as "unnecessary hesitation" putting 25,000 new jobs at risk.

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