Christelle Thieffinne, 54, is taking the helm of the CFE-CGC after a decade-long presidency by François Hommeril. This former union representative from the metalworking sector becomes the third woman to lead a major French trade union, following the recent elections at the CFDT and the CGT. Her election marks a generational shift for this union, traditionally associated with defending managers and intermediate professions.
A stated ambition to reach the podium
Under François Hommeril's leadership, the CFE-CGC has significantly strengthened its presence. The union now ranks fourth in the French labor landscape, closely following Force Ouvrière. This growth is the result of a ten-year grassroots strategy that has broadened its membership base far beyond senior managers. The new president has clearly stated her ambition to continue this upward trajectory.
Christelle Thieffinne led a grassroots campaign to convince federations and activists, including stops in Marseille where she presented her platform. Her genuine profile as a hands-on union activist, forged in the industrial world of metallurgy, contrasts sharply with the sometimes elitist image of the union. She intends to capitalize on this social grounding to reach a new level and make the CFE-CGC the third largest union in the country, ahead of FO.
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