France’s government is considering an earlier increase in the statutory minimum wage as unions prepare a new nationwide mobilisation over pay, public services, employment and industry.
Workers from both the public and private sectors have taken part in demonstrations for more than a month, with purchasing power emerging as the central concern. The latest major protest took place on 31 October, while the country’s eight main trade unions have called for strikes and demonstrations on 5 November.
rising inflation, including higher fuel and gas prices, has increased pressure on household budgets. Many workers say they are struggling to make ends meet and do not want to wait until spring 2027, when a new governing team could take office, for measures addressing their concerns.
Between 23 and 27 October, Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou held talks with trade unions and employers in an effort to ease the dispute. Confirming information reported by Les Echos, he said the government was open to advancing the automatic minimum-wage adjustment, normally scheduled for 1 January, to 1 December.
Farandou also mentioned the possibility of an additional “boost”: a discretionary increase whose amount would be set by the government. The discussions come as ministers face growing demands for action on wages and living costs, although it remains uncertain whether any proposed measure would be enough to ease the social unrest.
Sources: Le Monde Économie.