France: Unions mobilise against privatisation and job cuts

France

French unions are preparing for another nationwide strike on 4 February 2025, following their massive mobilisation on 5 December 2024. The action, called by the inter-union coalition (CFTC, CGT, FO, FSU, STC, SUD), highlights growing concerns over privatisation, precarious work, and low wages in the wake of the so-called "Full Employment" law.

Since its implementation, the law has accelerated the outsourcing of public services and increased workloads. Workers at France Travail face mounting pressure, with the registration of 1.5 million additional people, rising unemployment, and growing demands linked to the National Employment Committee’s objectives. Conditions have worsened, with fixed-term contracts and inadequate pay leaving many struggling.

The unions are calling for increased staffing at France Travail, permanent contracts for precarious workers, an end to outsourcing and subcontracting, and fair salary increases. Union leaders stress that these measures are crucial to improving service quality and safeguarding working conditions.

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