France increases minimum wage after protests – unions remain dissatisfied

After massive protests against rising living costs, the French government has promised to increase the monthly minimum wage from around 24 euros to 1,502 euros. “This increase should not be underestimated,” said Lecornu on Monday in Paris. The unions described the increase as inadequate. It is the first time since 2012 that France has increased the minimum wage - in addition to adjusting for inflation.

To strengthen purchasing power, the government also announced that a tax-free fuel bonus of up to 1,000 euros that employers can grant to their employees will be extended next year. In addition, the tax-free upper limit for overtime should be raised to 10,000 euros.

In the afternoon, Lecornu also received student and student representatives who are to be involved in the reform of the controversial application process for universities. The student protests began in mid-September and then spread to other groups, primarily protesting against the increased costs.

Meanwhile, new days of protest are already on the horizon: unions from the education sector are calling for another day of strike on Tuesday. Public sector unions are planning a day of action on November 17th. The eight largest national unions wanted to discuss their next steps on Monday evening. They are calling for an increase in the legal minimum wage by 100 euros per month.