A change of method, some specific announcements and many unknowns on delicate topics. In his general policy declaration, Michel Barnier strongly reaffirmed, on Tuesday, the 1stAhem October, which aims to listen carefully to unions and employers to carry out its action on social matters. The Prime Minister even mentioned the need for a “renewal of dialogue” with representatives of workers and businessmen, thus turning his back on seven years of Macronism during which the President of the Republic often intimidated intermediary organizations. A speech well received by those interested although it does not answer all their questions.
During his speech to the deputies, the head of Government surprised by indicating that the minimum wage will increase by 2% from 1Ahem November, “in anticipation of the date of 1Ahem January [2025] ». A decision that attempts to respond to one of the main concerns in the world of work: improving purchasing power. This was also one of the slogans of the mobilization organized on Tuesday throughout France by the CGT, the FSU, Solidaires and various youth movements.
The measure announced on Tuesday is not an impulse. Its objective is to increase, two months in advance, the minimum wage in proportions probably very close to the increase that should have been applied at the beginning of 2025, as every year, taking into account – in particular – inflation. It is, however, a “victory” in the eyes of Denis Gravouil, confederal secretary of the CGT. “We have been fighting for months to demand wage increases and, in particular, the minimum wage. That is why it is good to have this revaluation starting in November.”underlines. “This is good news for minimum wage workers: two more months is still a lot of money”adds his FO counterpart, Michel Beaugas.
“Everything is risked depending on the budget”
Another arbitration that makes the unions happy: the abandonment of the unemployment insurance reform initiated by the government of Gabriel Attal. On Tuesday, Barnier invited the social partners to reactivate a negotiation on the compensation system for jobseekers and to resume the one that had failed in April on the maintenance of employment of older people. An election that is equivalent to burying the project promoted by his predecessors and denounced by workers’ organizations, because it toughened the rules applicable to the unemployed.
It now remains to be seen how discussions between unions and employers will develop. Typically, they should be subject to “framework document” sent by Matignon to set objectives. But most employee and employer organizations would like to rely on the November 2023 agreement on unemployment insurance, which the government ultimately refused to validate.
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