Nearly 5.7 million civil servants should benefit from a salary increase. The government announced on Monday March 14 the thawing of the index point for civil servants. “The decision is made today, we will launch discussions with all stakeholders (…) in order to make it effective (…) before summer “said the Minister of Public Service Amélie de Montchalin in an interview with the Parisian.
While the “Index point” is used to calculate the remuneration of all civil servants and contract workers, this announcement marks a break with the salary policy carried out so far by the government, which is more favorable to targeted increases.
If the measurement is confirmed, its precise amount will be calibrated “in consultation with trade unions and employers”. A 1% increase in the value of the point would, according to the minister, cost the government two billion euros. For the past ten years, general increases have been rare. The last was granted by François Hollande in February 2017, already at the end of his term.
Dealing with inflation
“Inflation persists, it is strong and lasting”, underlined Amélie de Montchalin to justify this change of direction. According to the latest figures from INSEE, published on Tuesday March 15, the consumer price index jumped 3.6% in February over one year, fueled by soaring energy prices, aggravated by the war in Ukraine.
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For “protect the purchasing power of civil servants” and contract workers, the government has also chosen to act on the mileage allowance received by agents who use their personal vehicle as part of their duties. “We are going to increase it, as for private sector employees, by at least 10%”said the Minister, adding that “This measure will be effective in the coming days”.
demanded by the unions.
On the side of the unions, satisfaction dominated Monday evening when this measure had been demanded for several years. But caution is still in order. The announcement comes “in a timing that leaves no one fooled”, reacted Gaëlle Martinez (Solidaires public service). Indeed, seven of the nine unions representing the public service were preparing to denounce once again Thursday a scarcity of increases, by joining an interprofessional mobilization for wages.
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The unions also remain vigilant as to its concrete translation on the pay slip of the agents, in particular in the event of political alternation. “Negotiations on the remuneration of public officials are more than ever to be included in the calendar for the coming months, whatever the next government”insisted on Twitter Mylene Jacquot, general secretary of the CFDT Public functions. “The urgency is such that the percentage of revaluation will have to be very high to make up for the delay”added Gaëlle Martinez.