November 17th strike: unions reject government measures on minimum wage

This revaluation, estimated at 0.6 points above an automatic 1% increase scheduled for January 1st, is justified by the executive branch in the name of protecting employment. According to Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou, an increase of the Smic to €1,700 could have led to the loss of more than 230,000 jobs, compared to 5,000 to 20,000 for the current increase. Professional branches are invited to resume wage negotiations next week, and a decree will condition employer payroll tax reductions on the level of collective bargaining minima.

Parallel to this, the government presented measures to improve purchasing power, included in the 2027 budget, including raising the tax exemption ceiling for overtime pay from €7,500 to €10,000, maintaining the fuel bonus ceiling at €1,000, and extending the value-sharing bonus to companies with more than 50 employees. “The duty of the government of the Republic is to commit to things that are realistic, sincere in terms of the budget,” declared Sébastien Lecornu.

However, these announcements were deemed derisory by the CGT. Sophie Binet, general secretary, highlighted the contrast between these measures and social expectations, describing the €5 increase as a “kilo of tomatoes.” The CGT was demanding a 10% increase, or approximately €150. “We did not come here to ask for alms. We came to demand respect, recognition of our work, and a response to the immense social anger that is manifesting in the country,” she stated.

Beyond the amount, the CGT disputes the negotiation method, noting that 122 branches out of 200 still have minima below the Smic. The union also criticizes the extension of exemptions on overtime pay, which it considers a tax advantage for companies.

Representatives of the civil service, who were not present at the meeting dedicated to the private sector, were referred to a specific meeting scheduled for Friday. The FSU denounces a postponement deemed too late, demanding a general increase in the index point and a revaluation of salary scales. Sophie Binet estimates that 850,000 civil servants are paid below the Smic before compensation.

While Force Ouvrière says it is ready to trust negotiation within the branches, the CGT is calling for a new day of strikes and demonstrations on November 17th, extending the call to all employees and retirees. This date will mark a first test for the executive branch, which is trying to regain the initiative through social dialog.