The general secretary of the CGT union, Sophie Binet, called on Friday for the opening of wage negotiations in all companies and professional sectors, just days before the automatic increase of the minimum wage (SMIC) scheduled for June 1st. Speaking on franceinfo radio, the union leader deemed the 2,4% increase in the minimum wage, which will represent approximately 44 euros more per month gross, insufficient.
Sophie Binet denounces the lack of government support for over a decade and believes that millions of employees are currently experiencing a significant decline in their purchasing power. She specifically mentions minimum wage earners, who are particularly vulnerable to rising food, housing, and fuel prices.
The CGT wants to re-index wages to inflation
The union representative also accuses employers of refusing wage negotiations, even though many professional sectors still have collectively agreed minimum wages below the national minimum wage. According to her, this situation is illegal and demonstrates a deadlock that has become "outrageous."
To address this situation, the CGT proposes re-indexing all wages to inflation and changes in the minimum wage, similar to systems in place in Belgium and Luxembourg. Sophie Binet asserts that a similar mechanism existed in France until the 1980s and would prevent what she describes as a "massive downward mobility" of workers.
These statements come amid a social context marked by the return of inflation and growing tensions surrounding wages. Unions are increasingly calling for larger wage increases while the government simultaneously seeks to contain public spending and costs for businesses.
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