An inter-union called a wage strike on Thursday 5 December “all companies in the electricity and gas sector”we learned on Friday from union sources. This appeal comes at a time when salary negotiations have begun in companies and are not “not up to par” inter-union demands (CGT/CFE-CGC/CFDT/FO), indicated a union source.
In the electricity and gas sector, general increases are decided at sector level and apply to all companies, which then negotiate a series of individual increases, the sum of which gives the overall employee increase. “The general increase is +0.8% (…). in companies, all four trade union organizations representing the sector asked for 2.3% in individual measures.Laurent Koessler, head of social dialog at CFE-Energies, the second largest institution in the sector, which has just under 140,000 employees, told AFP. Gold, “commercial negotiations have started and we are not at that level”he added.
The same day as the civil service
“After the opening session of negotiations on wage measures for 2025, the first proposal from EDF management is a low rate of 1.5%”the inter-union indicated in a flyer. He asks the management to do so “Return to negotiations proposing much more to meet the 2.3% required on individual measures”.for the same reasons the inter-union calls a strike “In EDF, in Enedis and in all companies in the electricity and gas sector, therefore there is not a single company that escapes the strike notice”added Mr. Koessler,information confirmed by the EDF CGT and the GRDF CGT.
The December 5 date corresponds to the planned meeting of the energy sector body to negotiate other topics, Koessler indicated.this day seems to be “the same day” that the public service strike, he underlined, with demands on purchasing power “almost identical”. The strike call officially begins the day before at 9pm, for night shifts, as per tradition in the energy sector. This day of strike shoudl not have too visible consequences for public opinion, Koessler predicted, but above all it should result in a loss of earnings for companies. But,he warns,“it depends on the result”therefore mobilization,“and the reactions of employers”that the movement,renewable,could eventually stiffen. “The inter-union will meet on the evening of the 5th to decide the actions to be taken”he concluded.
How might the wage strike affect consumers and services in the electricity and gas sector?
interview with Laurent Koessler: Understanding the Upcoming Wage strike in the Electricity and Gas Sector
Editor: Today,we are joined by Laurent Koessler,head of social dialog at CFE-Energies,to discuss the recent inter-union call for a wage strike across all companies in the electricity and gas sector scheduled for December 5. Thank you for being here, Laurent.
Laurent Koessler: Thank you for having me.
Editor: To start, can you provide us with context regarding the wage strike? What prompted this action from the unions?
Laurent Koessler: The inter-union, consisting of CGT, CFE-CGC, CFDT, and FO, has initiated a call for a wage strike due to the dissatisfaction with current salary negotiations in the electricity and gas sector. Despite having started negotiations,the offers on the table do not meet our demands. We are asking for an individual increase of 2.3%, while the initial proposal from companies, especially EDF, was only 1.5%. This gap is meaningful, and thus the strike was announced.
Editor: How does the negotiation process work in this sector, and what are the implications of such a strike?
Laurent Koessler: In our sector, wage increases are usually decided at the sector level, following which individual companies negotiate their specific agreements. Earlier, we received a general increase of just 0.8%, which is quiet low compared to the needs we’ve outlined.The December 5 strike, coinciding with the public service strike, is a strategic move. While it’s not expected to have dramatic visible consequences initially,it could lead to significant financial impacts for companies. Ultimately, it depends on the level of mobilization and the reactions from employers.
Editor: The timing of this strike appears to align with ongoing discussions regarding purchasing power. can you elaborate on this connection?
Laurent Koessler: Absolutely. The demands we have concerning wage increases are closely linked to broader concerns about purchasing power. The public service strikes have similar underlying motivations. The planned meeting on December 5 serves dual purposes: our sector negotiations and aligning our voices with those advocating for better compensation across the public sector.
Editor: As the situation evolves, what advice can you offer to employees in the sector during this critical period?
Laurent koessler: My primary advice for employees is to stay informed and engaged. Attend union meetings, understand the negotiations, and voice your opinions. It’s essential to demonstrate unity and strength in numbers during this time.Mobilization will be key to influencing the negotiation outcomes.Also, be prepared for potential shifts in the strike plans based on employer responses.
Editor: Thank you, laurent, for your insights into this important issue affecting the electricity and gas sector.
Laurent Koessler: Thank you for shedding light on this situation. It’s vital for everyone to understand the implications of these wage negotiations and the upcoming strike.
Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise. For those interested, stay updated on this story as it develops, especially on the outcome of the negotiations post-strike.