Unions call for minister to respond

Prime minister Dominique de Villepin chose to announce further plans for privatisation and the creation of a “modern” state rather than respond to union demands for a proper social dialogue. Privatisation of EDF, the motorways and Paris airport are all on the agenda but not negotiations with the unions. Following the national demonstration on 4 October the CGT federation is now calling for two days of action on 9 and 10 November. This will again involve both private and public sectors with demands for pay increases and pay negotiations involving public service unions. [Read more at > FO->http

The ver.di services union is facing major challenges in the energy sector as companies plan significant restructuring and job cuts. At E.ON around 11000 jobs are on the line and one element of the ver.di response is to work with the Hans Böckler research organisation and draw up alternative plans that focus on making better use of and improving the skills of the workforce particularly in business areas such as renewables in which the company could increase its investment. Meanwhile at Vattenfall, the union organized a demonstration on 5 December in protest at the company’s plans to merge and

The eight public sector trade union federations have joined together to condemn the government’s failure to respond to any of their demands. The federations met with public service minister Eric Woerth on 3 March and called for a moratorium on job cuts, negotiations on an increase in pay and a reform of the public sector pay system. Woerth simply restated government policy, failing to take account of the impact on citizens and service quality. The eight federations reaffirmed their call to workers to support the national day of action on 19 March. [Read more at > CGT (FR)->http://www