Wages: the government refuses a general increase despite pressure from the CFDT

The issue of wages has returned to the forefront of social debate, as the general secretary of the CFDT union, Marylise Léon, calls for a reopening of wage negotiations in both private companies and the civil service. In an interview with Le Parisien, she argues that many salary scales remain "out of step" with the cost of living, with some still starting at levels close to the minimum wage despite persistent inflation.

The head of the CFDT union is calling for a review of industry-wide minimum wages and a resumption of discussions on compensation in a context marked by rising energy, housing, and food prices. She also considers the responses provided so far to the lowest-paid workers, particularly in public services and low-income sectors, to be insufficient.

Roland Lescure favors negotiations on a company-by-company basis

Invited to "Dimanche en politique" on France 3, Economy Minister Roland Lescure responded that companies "that can afford it" already had the possibility of opening annual negotiations and putting in place schemes such as bonuses or profit-sharing.

The government is currently refusing any general state-led wage increases. The executive branch continues to favor negotiations at the company or industry level, while promoting profit-sharing schemes, employee stock ownership plans, and tax-free bonuses.

The unions are denouncing a decline in purchasing power.

Several unions, however, believe that these mechanisms remain insufficient to compensate for the loss of purchasing power accumulated over several years. The issue of salary scales close to the minimum wage is becoming particularly sensitive, as automatic increases in the minimum wage are gradually reducing pay gaps in certain sectors.

In the civil service, unions are also demanding another increase in the index point value after several years of tension over public sector workers' pay. The government remains cautious for the time being, citing the already very high level of the public deficit and the deteriorating state finances.