At the close of the social conference held on Monday, November 9 at Matignon, the government announced an early 1.6% increase in the Smic. The minimum wage will be raised to 1,502 euros net per month as of December 1. The announcement was received with caution.
Sébastien Lecornu intends to bring the social partners back to the table in order to secure pay increases in sectors and companies. The executive thus wants to encourage the raising of collectively bargained minimums, so that the lowest pay grades are not overtaken by the Smic.
The confederation nonetheless welcomes a change in method. Beyond the amount, it is the way of involving the social partners that draws its attention.
The trade unions believe the gesture does not meet their expectations. The CGT is calling for a day of strikes and demonstrations on November 17, while the executive is counting on sector-level negotiations to extend the rise in pay.
Leaving Matignon, the CFDT welcomes the government's method but deems the 1.6% increase"insufficient."While"bringing forward the Smic increase"is, in its view,"a good thing,"the level chosen remains"insufficient in light of our expectations.".
The CGT leader also denounced the treatment of public-sector employees, who were excluded from the conference. They are, she said,"the last wheel of the coach.".