French unions call November 17 strike despite minimum wage increase, Digi Mart USA News: Despite the announcement of an early increase in the minimum wage, several public-service unions are maintaining pressure. In separate statements, the CGT, Unsa, FSU, Solidaires, CFE-CGC and FAFP called on public employees to mobilize on November 17, 2026.
Partners met Monday, November 9, at Matignon for a social conference and were informed of a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage, which will reach 1,502 euros net per month starting December 1, roughly 24 euros more. Unions consider the measure insufficient.
“The government has only announced crumbs,” said Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT, speaking to BFMTV. “It announced a 23-euro increase in the minimum wage on December 1, when we know the minimum wage should automatically rise by 18 euros on January 1,” she said.
The CFDT and Force ouvrière are not among the signatories of the call. After the government’s announcements, Marylise Léon, general secretary of the CFDT, denounced the increase as “insufficient.” Frédéric Souillot, general secretary of Force ouvrière, said “the responses are not linked to expectations,” while acknowledging that “for the first time the doctrine of the minimum wage boost is falling.”
This new day of mobilization is part of a broader social movement fueled by demands over wages, purchasing power and public services.
