The CGT has condemned the government's 1.6% smic increase as 'millet' (crumbs), calling for a new strike on November 17. The increase, set for December 1, is seen as insufficient by labor unions, who demand a more substantial raise. The government's announcement follows a conference with social partners, but unions argue that the increase does not meet the needs of workers facing rising inflation.
The CGT's secretary-general, Sophie Binet, has criticized the government for offering only a 'kilo of tomatoes' increase, emphasizing that the smic should be raised by 150 euros net per month. The union also calls for a general strike on November 17, urging workers across all sectors to join the demonstration. The government has not validated any semester or exam changes, maintaining its stance on the academic calendar despite ongoing protests.
The government has proposed raising the threshold for tax-free overtime from 7,500 to 10,000 euros and exempting 75% of public transport subscriptions. However, unions argue that these measures are not enough and that the government's response to the social unrest is inadequate. The CGT and other unions insist that without significant salary increases, the protests will continue, and the government must address the broader concerns of workers and students.