“We take the minister’s game literally: three days of waiting, three days of strike”, stated Christian Grolier, general secretary of the UIAFP-FO, who wants to collaborate with the inter-union association “as much as possible”.
Two of the main public employee unions, FO and CGT, asked on Thursday “mobilization” and the “strike” after the failure of the meeting with the Minister of Public Function Guillaume Kasbarian. “We will take the minister’s game at his word: three days of waiting three days of strike »launched Christian Grolier, general secretary of the UIAFP-FO, who wants to work with the interunion “as broad as possible”.
“It is obvious that the CGT will participate in a strike movement”added Sylviane Brousse, coordinator of the CGT’s public function, denouncing the “contempt” of the minister. Report “the policy of budget austerity” stated by the minister Christophe Delecourt, of the civil service of the CGT, specified that his union will bring next Tuesday, during a meeting of all the trade union organizations of the public service, “the idea of a first day of mobilization that integrates the form of strike and demonstrations”. “Obviously we will follow up, if possible in an interprofessional framework”he clarified.
It remains to be seen whether the appeal will also be followed by the other unions. “Launching a strike at the inter-union meeting on November 12 is a bit hasty”estimates Stanislas Gaudon, president of the CFE-CGC public services federation. The trade unionist prefers to launch an appeal to the responsibility of parliamentarians who will have to vote – or not – on the two amendments that implement the change wanted by the government, this Tuesday 12 November in the Finance Committee. “If they ever let the amendments pass, they must be aware that they will be held accountable for these two decisions”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Labor Expert Christian Grolier
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Christian. As the General Secretary of the UIAFP-FO, you’ve been at the forefront of current discussions around public sector strikes. Can you tell us what prompted the recent call for mobilization and a strike?
Christian Grolier: Thank you for having me. The recent push for mobilization and a strike is a direct response to the lack of satisfactory dialogue with Minister Guillaume Kasbarian. We felt that our concerns regarding public employee rights and working conditions were not addressed in a meaningful way during our last meeting.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a significant level of frustration among public sector employees. What are some of the key issues that the unions are advocating for?
Christian Grolier: Absolutely. Our members are concerned about job security, fair pay, and adequate working conditions. Public employees are the backbone of our services, and it’s essential that they feel valued and supported. The call for a three-day strike is meant to send a strong message: we need more than just empty promises; we need concrete action.
Editor: You mentioned a three-day waiting period followed by three days of strike. How do you believe this strategy will impact negotiations with the minister?
Christian Grolier: We’re taking the minister’s game literally. By creating a structured approach to our strike, we’re hoping to highlight our commitment while also giving the government time to respond. The waiting period serves to emphasize our willingness to collaborate, but we need to see real engagement and solutions.
Editor: Collaboration seems critical in this situation. How do you envision working with other unions, like the CGT, during this process?
Christian Grolier: Collaboration is indeed essential. We, alongside the CGT and other unions, are committed to standing together on this issue. By uniting our voices, we can amplify our message and strengthen our bargaining position with the government. We’re all in this together, and collective action is often the most effective way to drive change.
Editor: Looking ahead, if this strike occurs as planned, what do you predict will be the repercussions not just for public employees but also for the general public?
Christian Grolier: Strikes inevitably disrupt public services, which can create challenges for the general public. However, we believe that these disruptions are necessary in order to foster a dialogue that leads to better conditions for employees and, ultimately, improved public services. When public servants are motivated and secure, the entire system benefits.
Editor: what message do you have for those who may not fully understand the importance of standing up for public sector rights?
Christian Grolier: I would say that the rights of public employees are foundational to the services we all rely on. When we support fair treatment and decent working conditions for these individuals, we are investing in the quality and reliability of our public services. It’s about ensuring that everyone, whether in government, labor, or the public, is treated with dignity and respect.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Christian. It’s clear that the situation is complex, but your commitment to collaboration and advocacy shines through. We’ll be watching how things unfold in the coming days.
Christian Grolier: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a constructive resolution.