Lecornu prepares modest minimum wage rise amid anger in France
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Ghanaian Times
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu met employers and unions to respond to the cost-of-living crisis, which has triggered serious unrest. According to the press, a small rise in the minimum wage is expected, with the CFDT demanding €100 net and the CGT 10%.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu met representatives of employers' organisations and private-sector unions on 9 November to try to respond to anger over the cost of living, according to Reuters. He is due to present measures at a press conference, and a slight rise in the minimum wage is expected to be among them. However, the government has little room for manoeuvre because of its growing debt.
The minimum wage, raised by €35 in June to €1,478 net per month, could be increased again. Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou would like it to exceed €1,500 net, provided the rise does not harm employment. The CFDT, France’s largest union, is calling for €100 net more, while the CGT, on the hard left, is demanding 10%, or around €150 net. Its leader, Sophie Binet, considers that a €5 rise will not be enough. The tensions, which began in lycées in September, have spread to taxation, public services and political life. These movements come five months before the presidential election.
