OMM Newsroom
France’s General Confederation of Labour (CGT) has called for a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations on Nov. 17, saying the government’s latest measures to raise wages are insufficient. Anadolu Agency reported the call, citing French broadcaster BFMTV.
CGT Secretary-General Sophie Binet made the announcement after a social conference on wages and purchasing power convened by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon, the prime minister’s office.
“We want to generalise wage increases. To do that, we need to generalise mobilisation and strikes: that is what must happen on November 17 and afterwards, so that our demands are finally heard,” Binet said.
She described the government’s announcement of a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage from Dec. 1 as inadequate. Binet said public anger would not disappear over “a few extra euros” and called for a €150 monthly increase.
Lecornu announced the 1.6% minimum wage increase on Monday, along with measures to support purchasing power, as social mobilisation continued across the country. The increase, announced by Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou, will bring the net monthly minimum wage to €1,502 ($1,740).
Lecornu called the rise the second-largest increase in France’s minimum wage in 20 years, saying it was “not just symbolic”. He also argued that a larger increase would lead to significant job losses over the long term.
The announcement came amid protests across France over the cost of living, wages and public services, involving trade unions and youth representatives. Demonstrations began in mid-September over inadequate conditions and resources in high schools, then spread to other parts of society alongside a resurgence of the “yellow vest” movement.
