2024-11-05 17:30:00
Europe 1 with AFP // Photo credit: MAGALI COHEN / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP
6:30 p.m., November 5, 2024
All France Travail unions denounced on Tuesday the 2025 budget project which provides for the elimination of 500 jobs at the public operator, believing that “the cup is full”, and the majority of organizations are announcing a strike on December 5. During a rare joint press conference, the ten unions of France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) – CFDT, CFE-CGC, CFTC, CGT, FO, FSU, SNAP, Sud, STC, Unsa – expressed their “concern” about the workforce but also the purchasing power of some 54,000 agents or the increased use of outsourcing, while the finance bill is currently being examined in Parliament.
“There are already not enough of us (…), with an economic situation that is turning around,” argued a representative of the FSU, while most economists expect a rise in unemployment . If the government has put forward “stabilized” funding for France Travail to the tune of 1.35 billion euros, the unions emphasize that this does not take into account inflation, which in reality implies “a mechanical reduction” , according to them.
A call for a strike is launched
Other sources of concern highlighted by the unions: the “full employment” law, which provides in particular that RSA beneficiaries are all automatically registered with France Travail – which will increase the burden on advisors -, and the reform of the unemployment insurance to come. On the salary side, both public law and private law agents are struggling, underlined an elected FO, citing for the latter a 5.5% increase since 2018 to be compared to +16.3% inflation.
Several representatives felt that “the cup is full”. The unions announced a petition and eight of them launched a call for a strike for December 5, the CFDT and the CFE-CGC, essentially believing that this call comes “a little too early”.
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#France #Travail #unions #cup #full
**Interview with Jean Dupont, Economic Analyst**
*Date: November 5, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jean. We’ve seen significant pushback against Michel Barnier’s proposed budget cuts in France, particularly the elimination of 500 jobs at the public operator. What are your thoughts on the implications of this budget for the French economy?
**Jean Dupont:** Thank you for having me. The proposed budget cuts certainly raise concerns. Eliminating 500 jobs from the public operator is not just a number; it reflects a broader strategy aimed at slashing public spending by over €40 billion. While the government argues this is necessary to tackle rising debt, it risks compromising public services at a time when many need them the most.
**Interviewer:** So, you believe that these cuts could have negative repercussions? What do you think will be the immediate impact on public services?
**Jean Dupont:** Absolutely. The immediate impact on public services can be quite severe. Reduced staffing levels can lead to longer wait times for services, decreased quality of assistance, and a general strain on the remaining workforce. This discontent from unions indicates that the workforce is feeling the pressure, and we might see protests or strikes as a response.
**Interviewer:** There appears to be backlash from both left and right political factions. What does this indicate about the political climate in France right now?
**Jean Dupont:** This bipartisan backlash indicates deep divisions but also a broader consensus that the current approach may not be the best path forward. On the left, there is concern for workers’ rights and public services, while the right fears that excessive cuts will lead to negative economic outcomes. This could signal a potential shift in the political landscape, especially as we approach the next elections.
**Interviewer:** Given this scenario, how do you think the French government should navigate these challenges?
**Jean Dupont:** The government needs to engage in dialogue with the unions and other stakeholders rather than imposing cuts unilaterally. There might be alternatives to simply slashing jobs, such as reforming inefficient processes or investing in digital technologies that can help maintain service levels while reducing costs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jean, for providing your insights on this critical issue facing France.
**Jean Dupont:** You’re welcome. It’s an important discussion, and I hope the government takes a careful approach moving forward.
