Public sector unions have been active in protests against the government’s refusal to abide by legislation and implement a pay increase for public sector workers. They are also challenging the government for its failure to agree to any social dialogue with the unions and are concerned about possible cuts to bonuses and holiday allowances. Health workers took action in January and other public service workers continued the protests through February and are now considering what further action to take. The Publisind federation that includes the SNPP police and prison officers’ union have also complained about the heavy-handed approach to their protests.
Unions continue protests against pay freeze
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Public sector workers protest against pay freeze
Thousands of civil servants and public sector workers joined demonstrations around the country in protest at the three-year pay freeze that has been imposed by the French government as well as the long-term reduction in purchasing power suffered since 2000. Further actions are likely as part of the unions’ joint campaigning. Read more at > FO (FR) And at > CGT (FR)
Unions reject another year of pay freeze
In a joint statement the CGT, FO and Solidaires trade unions have criticised the government's decision to freeze public sector pay again in 2018 and to introduce a waiting day before civil servants can claim sick pay. The unions are also concerned about career development in the public services and are angry that civil servants are the target of cuts in the government's attempts to reduce public spending. The CFDT trade union has raised similar objections.
Public sector union protests set to continue
Public sector unions remain angry that the government has not only failed to implement a pay rise that was set in legislation last year but also refused to engage in social dialogue. This anger has been further fed by anti-union comments from the prime minister who has challenged the independence of public sector unions, their right to collect dues by check-off and their right to protest. Unions are considering further protests. EPSU has sent letters of protest to the prime minister and raised the issue with the European Commission as the behaviour of the Romanian government clearly flies in