In several sectors, unions are calling for mobilization to protest against the government’s cost-cutting measures.
Trade unions are on the front line against government measures.While “It is not up to public officials to pay the debt”almost all organizations representing the public service have launched a call to mobilize this thursday 5 December. A “Day of action, demonstrations, demonstrations and strike” organized to block the savings of 1.2 billion euros expected in the administration by the government for the 2025 budget. CGT, CFDT, UNSA, FSU, Solidaires, CFE-CGC and FA-FP are calling for the strike. For its part, the Force Ouvrière, the second largest union in the
If the Minister of Public Service Guillaume Kasbarian had agreed to abandon the abolition of categories A, B and C, several obstacles remain. The inter-union is very angry at the move to three days of waiting instead of one, in case of illness, the reduction of the allowance from 100% to 90%, the non-payment of the Gipa purchasing power bonus or even the freezing of the index point. “it is clear that Guillaume Kasbarian has not responded to most of the other proposals and requests made by the trade unions”underlines the CGT in a press release.
Schools, hospitals, municipalities…
Concretely, the movement should have consequences in the education sector, where the unions have called for the inter-union call to strike to be followed. several cities, such as Strasbourg, have already warned parents that canteens will be closed on Thursday. Reception may also be interrupted in several local public services, such as town halls.
Hospitals are also expected to take action,with most healthcare staff unions reporting the move to three days of absence and the reduction of sick leave pay. Two proposals that see how “a very weak response to a problem that already has a solution: the implementation of sickness absence control measures implemented by the CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund) or by employers”.
Energy
Civil servants will not be the only ones to strike this Thursday, as CGT, CFE-CGC, CFDT and FO have called “all companies in the electricity and gas sector” to the mobilization on the same date. They protest against salary negotiations that have started in companies and are not “not up to par” requests.By coincidence of the calendar, the date of december 5 corresponds to a scheduled meeting of the energy sector body. However, this day of strike should not have notable consequences for the population, but above all lead to a loss of income for businesses.
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. “In general growth we are at +0.8%. In companies, all four trade union organizations representing the sector asked for 2.3% in individual measures.said Laurent Koessler,head of social dialog at CFE-Energies,the second largest organization in the sector,which has just under 140,000 employees.
How is public sentiment shifting regarding labor movements and union efforts?
Interview: Time.news Editor with labor Relations Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into current events and the forces shaping our world. Today, we have an expert in labor relations, Dr.Emily Chen, joining us to discuss the rising tensions between labor unions and the government in response to recent cost-cutting measures. Emily, thank you for being here.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: So, let’s get right into it. We’ve seen an uptick in mobilizations and protests from various unions recently. What are the primary issues driving this unrest?
Dr.Chen: The main issue at the heart of these protests is the government’s decision to implement significant cost-cutting measures. Many unions feel that these cuts unfairly affect workers, particularly in sectors that are already strained, such as healthcare, education, and public services. Workers are worried about job security, reduced wages, and diminished benefits.
Editor: That’s a critical point. It seems like these measures are impacting essential services. How are unions strategizing their mobilization efforts to address these concerns?
Dr. Chen: Unions are increasingly utilizing a combination of grassroots activism, digital campaigns, and coalition-building with other organizations to amplify their voices. They’re not just protesting; they are also engaging in negotiations and advocating for more sustainable policies that consider workers’ needs. Many unions are planning coordinated strikes or rallies, which can create a more substantial impact.
Editor: Interesting. The ancient context of labor movements has frequently enough involved confrontations with government policies. Are there parallels with past labor movements that you see emerging now?
Dr. Chen: Absolutely. We’re witnessing a resurgence of collective action reminiscent of the labor movements in the 1960s and 1970s, which challenged economic policies that favored austerity over public welfare. Much like then, today’s unions are mobilizing diverse coalitions, including environmentalists and social justice advocates, to build a broader movement that transcends traditional labor issues.
Editor: This broader coalition sounds more powerful. What kind of public support do you see for these labor movements? Is there a shift in public sentiment?
Dr.Chen: Yes, we’re observing a notable shift. Many members of the public sympathize with workers’ struggles, especially as many are feeling the pinch of rising living costs. Polls show that public approval for unions and their fight for workers’ rights has risen. People are beginning to see that when workers thrive,it benefits the economy as a whole.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. In your opinion, how do you see this situation evolving over the next few months?
Dr. Chen: We’re likely to see increased pressure on the government to engage with unions constructively. If negotiations fail, it could led to significant strikes and public demonstrations that force the government to reconsider its austerity strategy.However,it’s a delicate balance—if unions can maintain public sympathy and leverage their mobilization effectively,they may achieve meaningful concessions.
Editor: Thank you, Emily, for these insights! It’s vital to follow how these labor movements will unfold and their implications on national policy.We’ll definitely keep an eye on this situation as it develops.
Dr. chen: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time, and I look forward to seeing how these dynamics play out.
Editor: That was Dr.Emily Chen, a labor relations expert, shedding light on the significant labor mobilizations happening now.Stay tuned to Time.news for ongoing coverage and analysis of this unfolding situation.